Community Awareness Management Systems and Methods

ABSTRACT

A system and method links one or more disparate community awareness management (CAM) datasets for a community awareness program (CAP) with one or more spatial layers to create linked CAM datasets. One or more data attributes common to a CAM dataset and a spatial layer are identified, and the link is defined between the CAM dataset and the spatial layer. The spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset then may be queried using a single input query. Features from the spatial layer and features from the linked CAM dataset that match the query are generated for display. In one embodiment, a system and method manage CAP assets, transactions, interest areas for the CAP, and buffer areas for the CAP. An audience utility enables entering and maintaining audience data for the CAP. A journal utility enables making journal entries for one or more audience members, CAP assets, transactions, and/or other CAM data. A link document utility enables linking one or more documents to CAM data.

RELATED APPLICATIONS

The present application is a Divisional of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 11/059,847, entitled Community Awareness Management Systems andMethods, filed Feb. 17, 2005, which takes priority to U.S. Patent App.Ser. No. 60/546,718, entitled Community Awareness Management Systems andMethods, filed Feb. 19, 2004, and is related to U.S. patent applicationSer. No. 11/467,159, entitled Community Awareness Management Systems andMethods, filed Aug. 24, 2006, Publication No. US2007/0016565, U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/467,161, entitled Community AwarenessManagement Systems and Methods, filed Aug. 24, 2006, Publication No.US2007/0027903, U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/833,093, entitledCommunity Awareness Management Systems and Methods, filed Aug. 2, 2007,U.S. patent application Ser. No. 11/833,097, entitled CommunityAwareness Management Systems and Methods, filed Aug. 2, 2007, and U.S.patent application Ser. No. 11/833,108, entitled Community AwarenessManagement Systems and Methods, filed Aug. 2, 2007, the entire contentsof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference, and is related toAttorney Docket No. 121447, entitled Community Awareness ManagementSystems and Methods, and Attorney Docket No. 121448, entitled CommunityAwareness Management Systems and Methods, both filed on the same date asthis application, the entire contents of which are hereby incorporatedherein by reference.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

COMPACT DISK APPENDIX

Not Applicable

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of managing community orpublic awareness systems.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Community awareness management companies (CAMCs) provide communityawareness programs (CAPs) (also referred to as public awarenessprograms) for businesses and other entities, such as the pipelineindustry. A CAMC manages various facets of CAPs, including, for example,direct mail campaigns designed to educate various audiences about thebusiness or other entity, the environment, and other information. In anexample of a pipeline company, the CAMC educates various audiences aboutthe pipeline company and pipeline operations. The CAMC may include otheror different information for other entities or other pipeline programs.

Audiences for a particular CAP may include residents, businesses,emergency management persons or groups, excavators, or other audiences.The CAMC generally identifies stakeholder audiences for a particular CAPand other contacts to which information will be sent. A stakeholderaudience includes those audience members that have a stake in educationor other awareness programs, such as residents and business that may beinterested in a company's business, its operations, or other issues.

When managing a CAP for a pipeline company, for example, CAMCs mayanalyze pipeline data, identify the stakeholder audience for thepipeline CAP, establish mailing lists designed for the specificstakeholder audiences and/or specific companies or other contacts, anddesign, print, and execute mailings. One or more of the foregoing may beincluded in a package referred to as an audit package. Upon programcompletion, the CAMC may provide the client with, for example, an auditpackage having a map of a pipeline area in which areas of mailings aredesignated, paper and compact disk (CD) copies of the mailing lists, anda form documenting acceptance and delivery by the Post Office of amailing and the number of pieces in the mailing. In other CAPs, otheritems may be included in an audit package. Since these audit packagesgenerally are paper, they require a significant amount of storage.

The CAMC works with client companies to understand their centerlinedata. Centerline data generally identifies the centerline or physicallocation of a structural item of relevance to the CAP for a geographicarea. In the pipeline CAP example, the centerline data is used to showthe centerline of pipeline locations in one or more geographic areas.

Using the centerline data for one example, the CAMC generates a papermap and a paper report to identify data managed by the CAP, such asapplicable pipelines or other data. The paper report may identify, forexample, a table of audience members within a geographic location forthe CAP.

The CAMC defines a buffer area, which generally is a number of feet ormiles from the centerline data. Audiences within the buffer area areidentified, and the buffer area and the audiences in the buffer areatypically are identified in the audit package. In the pipeline CAPexample, the buffer area is defined for a distance from the pipelinecenterline data, and a pipeline analysis with the identifications ofaudiences within the buffer area is generated for an audit package.

The CAMC may generate one or more audit packages for a client in aprogram year. A program year is 365 days (not including a leap year)during which a CAP operates.

A dataset is a collection of data that relates to a topic or thing.Generally, the dataset has data attributes that describe the collectionof data. The data attributes are related to each other and related tothe topic or thing of the dataset. For example, a business dataset for apipeline may contain a set of attributes for the land on which thepipeline is located or for pipeline statistics.

A company and/or a CAMC may have different datasets of informationrelated to the CAP. However, the datasets are difficult to manage.

It would be helpful to have geographic information, such as maps, forthe CAP. Geographic information system (GIS) products provide geographicinformation, such as maps or other geographic data, based on some input.With most GIS products, if you want to relate data from multipledisparate datasets to geographic data you must permanently merge thedata from the disparate datasets with the geographic data. However, thisgenerally requires that the data be replicated. In some cases, the datamay require conversion prior to replication. Other GIS products providethe ability to join or associate one or more datasets with geographicdata, but only as long as the datasets are in the same database in whichthe geographic data is housed.

Improved systems and methods are needed to geographically identifyaspects of a CAP and to enable entry and management of audience data,including entering and identifying audience members geographically,throughout a program year. Thus, new systems and methods are needed toenable linking different datasets in a community awareness managementsystem with spatial data without replicating the datasets and to enablea user to access the datasets spatially.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one embodiment, systems and methods for a community awareness program(CAP) link one or more disparate community awareness management (CAM)datasets with one or more spatial layers to create linked CAM datasets.One or more data attributes common to a CAM dataset and a spatial layerare identified, and the link is defined between the CAM dataset and thespatial layer. The spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset may bequeried using a single input query. Features from the spatial layer andfeatures from the linked CAM dataset that match the query are generatedfor display.

In another embodiment, the systems and methods enable a user to accessand manage geospatial data and CAM data, including CAP asset data,interest area data, buffer area data, audience data, program data,transaction data, and/or other CAM data. In one example of thisembodiment, the systems and methods generate the geospatial data and theCAM data for display. In another example of this embodiment, the CAMdata includes pipeline data, call center data, utility data, or data foranother entity.

In another embodiment, the systems and methods enable one or more usersto manage audience members. In one example, the systems and methodsenable one or more users to locate one or more audience members byaddress, audience type, or another attribute. In another example, thesystems and methods generate the audience data for display with map dataof a geographic area. The map data includes, for example, dataindicating a location of one or more audience members, CAP assets,interest areas, buffer areas, and/or other locations or points ofinterest.

In another embodiment, the systems and methods enable entry of one ormore journal entries associated with one or more audience members, CAPassets, buffer areas, interest areas, transactions, documents, and/orother CAM data. In one example, a journal entry captures data when achange is made to an audience record for an audience member. In anotherexample, a journal entry is automatically created when an audiencerecord is inserted, edited, or deleted.

In another embodiment, the systems and methods enable linking one ormore documents interactively to or with CAM data. In one example, adocument is linked to audience data, CAP asset data, journal data,transaction data, and/or other CAM data. When the base data is displayedor otherwise retrieved, the linked document also is displayable. Inanother example, the document is displayable or otherwise retrieved andidentified with a link, an icon, or another method. The link, icon, orother method is selected to display the linked document.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a diagram of a CAM system for linking one or more spatiallayers with one or more datasets in accordance with an embodiment of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a layer in a CAM system in accordance withan embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of a linked datasets in a CAM system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a block diagram of inputs and outputs for a CAM system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow diagram of a process for linking a spatial layer with adataset in accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a block diagram of a spatial processing system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram of another spatial processing system inaccordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram of a user interface for a CAM system in accordancewith an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 9-36 are screen views of a user interface used with a CAM systemin accordance with an embodiment of the present invention.

FIGS. 37-69 are screen views of a user interface used to performtransactions in a CAM system in accordance with embodiments of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The community awareness management (CAM) system of the present inventionmanages a community awareness program (CAP). The CAP (or a user of theCAM system operating under the CAP), identifies one or more CAP assets.An asset includes a physical or logical feature or entity, anenvironmental feature, a company feature, an equipment feature, abuilding feature, a device, a system, or an object associated with a CAPfor which a person, other entity, and/or thing has an interest orotherwise affects the operation or management of the CAP or an audit orreport of the CAM system. CAP asset data may include, for example, dataidentifying physical or logical features, company features,environmental features, equipment features, building features, devicedata, system data, data associated with an object, a person, or a thing,and/or other data for a CAP. Other examples exist.

The CAP generally identifies an item, a device, a system, a person,another entity, an event, a location, a point, or an area in which aperson or entity has or may have an interest or that poses a potentialrisk or hazard to, or otherwise affects, a person, an entity, or athing. The item, device, system, person, other entity, event, location,point, or area of interest often is identified geographically and isreferred to herein as an interest area. In some instances, the interestarea is identified geographically as a point. In other instances, theinterest area is identified geographically as a centerline, whichidentifies a center linear portion of an object or other entity. Inother instances, the interest area is identified as an area. In otherinstances, the interest area is identified as an area bounded by aperimeter, and the perimeter may be regularly or irregularly shaped.Moreover, an interest area may be contiguous or non-contiguous and ofvarying or non-varying shapes and/or distances, whether or not it isidentified with a perimeter or other boundary. In other instances, theinterest area is identified by an item of interest or an event, such asa person, a thing, an environmental event, a weather event, an accident,or another event. Other examples exist. In one example, the interestarea is in relation to a CAP asset.

The CAP also may identify a limitation for an area around, from, or nearor a distance from, through, or near the interest area and/or a CAPasset, such as a geographical limitation. This limitation is referred toas a buffer or a buffer area. The buffer area may be regularly orirregularly shaped. Moreover, the buffer area may be contiguous ornon-contiguous and of varying or non-varying shapes and/or distancesfrom one or more points or areas of the interest area and/or a CAPasset. The buffer area may be, for example, a first distance from theinterest area and/or the CAP asset at a first point and a seconddistance from the interest area and/or the CAP asset at a second point.The first distance and the second distance may be the same or different.Where the interest area is other than a point, the first point and thesecond point may be on a same or different line, side, or area. Inanother example, the buffer area is an area from a centerline-typeinterest area, it may exist on one or both sides of the centerline, andit may be a varying distance or a same distance from one or more pointsalong the centerline. In another example, the buffer area includesmultiple arc-shaped areas from multiple points. In another example, thebuffer area is a consistent or varying distance around an outer portionof the interest area and/or the CAP asset. In another example, thebuffer area is a consistent or varying distance from, across, or arounda CAP asset or a point at a CAP asset. In this example, the buffer areais in relation to the CAP asset, and no interest area is present. Otherexamples exist.

The CAP also identifies an audience that includes one or more people,other entities, such as businesses, and/or things within an area managedby the CAP, such as within the interest area and/or the buffer area. Theaudience includes contacts, which are people, other entities, and/orthings, to or from which communications may be made, such as by mail,email, phone calls, training attendance, personal communication, orotherwise, for which one or more other transactions may be made, and/orfor which an identification and/or a location may be known.

Audience data identifies different features or aspects of one or moreaudience members. In one example, audience data includes an audiencemember name, an audience type, such as an emergency official, police, aresident, an excavator, a business, or another audience type, anaddress, a city, a county, and/or a phone number. In another example,audience data is located in an audience record or data structure and isentered and managed with an audience utility.

Transactions include communications, such as communications made bymail, email, phone calls, training attendance, personal communication,or otherwise, including communications with attached electronic or paperdocumentation, business relations, and other actions taken with regardto an audience member. In one example, a transaction includes a mailingmade by email or ground mail to a contact informing the contact aboutthe existence of a pipeline and maintenance to be performed on thepipeline. In this example, the mailing includes a pamphlet about thecompany performing the maintenance and identifies community officialsthat may be contacted for further information. In another example, atransaction includes safety information provided to the general public.In another example, a transaction includes training materials suppliedto emergency responders and excavators.

Transaction data identifies different features or aspects of one or moretransactions with one or more audience members. In one example,transaction data includes an audience member name, an audience membertype, an address, a city, a county, a phone number, a transaction type,a journal entry with a journal entry type (as described more completelybelow), and/or other details about the transaction. In another example,transaction data is located in a transaction record or data structure.The transaction type describes the type of transaction, such as email,ground mail, phone call, personal communication, business relations,training, and other types.

One or more of the contacts may be stakeholders. Stakeholders arepeople, entities, and/or things affected by, having an interest in, orthat are to be informed of, aspects of the CAP. Stakeholders often havea level of interest in the CAP, an asset, or an action or transactionthat is considered a “stake” in the CAP, the asset, or the action ortransaction.

In one example, a pipeline CAP includes one or more pipeline assets. Apipeline asset is a physical or logical feature entity, an environmentalfeature, a company feature, an equipment feature, a building feature, adevice, a system, or an object associated with a pipeline system forwhich a person, another entity, such as a company, or another audiencemember has an interest or otherwise affects the operation of thepipeline or the auditing or reporting of the pipeline CAM system. In oneexample, a pipeline asset includes a pipeline, a valve, a station, oranother pipeline related device, system, or object. In this example, theCAP asset data includes pipeline data, such as a width, length, andmaterial of a pipeline, structural aspects of the pipeline, valves,building locations, and other structural features of the pipeline. TheCAP asset data for a pipeline also may include environmental and otherfeatures associated with the pipeline CAP. In this example, the interestarea data identifies the centerline of a pipeline, and a buffer area isa selected constant or variable distance from or across the centerline.The audience in this example includes contacts within the buffer area.

In another example, a CAP asset for a power plant CAP includes a powerplant, the interest area is the geographic area encompassing the powerplant grounds, and a buffer area for the CAP includes a distance aroundthe power plant grounds. In this example, the power plant CAP is relatedto security for the power plant and environmental impacts from the powerplant, and the audience includes people and companies within the bufferarea concerned with the security and/or environmental impacts of thepower plant.

In another example, a CAP asset for an electrical power CAP includes apower transmission line, system, or substation, and a buffer area forthe CAP includes an area around the power transmission line, system, orsubstation. In this example, the electrical power CAP is related tosecurity for the electrical power transmission line, system, orsubstation and the safety of residents around the electrical powertransmission line, system, or substation. In this example, the audienceincludes residents in the buffer area and other electrical powercompanies in the region. The residents in this example are stakeholders,and they have a level of interest in the safety issues related to thepower line, system, or substation. The regional power companies are notstakeholders in this example. Since the CAP will attempt to sendinformation to both the residents and the regional power companies, andthe CAP has identified a location and/or identification for theresidents and the regional power companies, both the residents and theregional power companies are contacts.

In another example, a CAP asset for a waterway CAP includes a ship or achemical spill. The interest area is the area of the ship or the areaencompassed by the, chemical spill, and the buffer area for the CAPincludes an area around the ship or the chemical spill. In this example,the waterway CAP is related to the potential hazards of toxic spills.

In another example, a CAP asset for a transportation system CAP includesinterstates, railroads, and rivers, the interest area is the centerlineof the interstate, railroad, and river, and the buffer area for the CAPincludes an area on each side of the interstates, railroads, and rivers.In this example, the transportation system CAP is related to thetransportation of hazardous material.

In another example, a CAP asset for an airport system CAP includes arunway. The interest area is the runway and the airspace above therunway. The buffer area for the CAP includes an area on each side of therunway and on each side of the airspace above the runway. The audiencefor this CAP includes airport officials, emergency officials, and repaircrews. In this example, the airport system CAP is related to sound andflight path hazards.

In another example, a CAP asset for a coastal area CAP includes a coastline, the interest area is the area encompassed by the coastline, andthe buffer area for the CAP includes an area on the land side of thecoast line. In this example, the coastal area CAP is related to anatural disaster, such as a hurricane.

In another example, a CAP asset for a communication system CAP includesa fiber optic line or another communication line. The interest area isthe centerline of the fiber optic line or other communication line, andthe buffer area for the CAP includes an area around the circumference ofthe fiber optic line or other communication line. In this example, thecommunication system CAP is related to the security of the fiber opticline or other communication line, including damage caused by digging ortrenching.

In another example, a CAP asset for a factory CAP includes a factory, anemission control system, or a waste disposal system. The interest areaincludes the grounds of the factory, emission control system, or wastedisposal system, and the buffer area for the CAP includes anenvironmental impact area around the factory, emission control system,or waste disposal system. In this example, the factory CAP is related toemissions and waste hazards.

In another example, a CAP asset for a utility network system CAPincludes a gas pipe, an electric power line, a water pipe or valve, aphone line, or a cable. The interest area includes the diameter and areaof the pipe, the electric power line, the water pipe or valve, the phoneline, or the cable. The buffer area for the CAP includes an area aroundthe gas pipe, the electric power line, the water pipe or valve, thephone line, or the cable. In this example, the network system CAP isrelated to the security of the network system, including damage causedby digging or trenching.

In another example, a CAP asset includes a geospatial feature that iscritical to the successful management of the CAP. In this example,stakeholders, the interest area or areas, and the buffer area or areasare assets. Stakeholders, interest areas, buffer areas, and the dataassociated with stakeholders, interest areas, and buffers are allcritical components of the CAP in this example. The CAP exists tocatalog and communicate data that is directly associated with thestakeholders and that is associated with something that affects thestakeholder community.

In another example, a CAP is used to communicate to the public regardingbio-hazards or infectious diseases. For example, a CAP may manageinfluenza related communications and the management of influenza relatededucation programs and inoculations. In this example, the stakeholdersare defined by a proximity to a statistically “hot” area. In thisexample, the “hot” area is the interest area, and the buffer area is adistance around the “hot” area. Alternately, a person infected with theinfluenza may be the interest area.

A CAP may be required to comply with certain federal, state, and/orlocal regulations for an industry or a system and to prove that itcomplied with the regulations. A CAP may have different regulatorycompliance requirements for different audience types or CAP types. Forexample, a CAP may have to perform a first set of actions for emergencyofficials, a second set of actions for general public officials, a thirdset of actions for other special contacts, and a fourth set of actionsfor general business people and home owners.

Moreover, a CAP may have to perform different actions for differentassets within its system. For example, a CAP may have to perform a firstset of actions for a large pipeline installation and a second set ofactions for a small pipeline maintenance project. For each audience typeor transaction, the CAP has to prove to an auditor the steps taken tocomply with the regulations, including transactions attempted andcompleted for each audience type, documents sent to each audience type,and internal actions and communications taken within the CAP.

In prior systems, users maintained paper lists and spreadsheets with thenames of the audience members and copies of documents provided to theaudience. One mailing to the audience may have required thirty 3-ringbinders for a portion of a geographic area. A complete mailing to theentire geographic area or a complete set of documents for an audit mayhave required a truckload of documents. Information within these sets ofdocuments was not readily locatable.

However, the CAM system of the present invention easily and intuitivelyenables a CAM system user to identify, track, and search all audiencemembers within a CAP area, including an interest area and/or a bufferarea, and all transactions for or with the audience members withoutmaintaining a bulky paper storage facility. The CAM system enables oneor multiple users to track any number of members for an audience. Insome examples, the audience may include 500,000 members within aninterest area and/or a buffer area. In other examples, the audience mayinclude greater or fewer members within an interest area and/or a bufferarea. The user can identify an audience type for each audience memberand can maintain current, up-to-date information for the audiencemembers. The CAM system enables one or multiple users with real timeprogram updates and status information so that the users managing theCAP have access to current information and can input information.

The CAM system enables a user to track each transaction and audiencemember associated with each CAP asset, interest area, and/or bufferarea, including each audience type for each audience member. The CAMsystem enables a user to create a transaction record for each audiencemember, transaction, CAP asset, journal entry, journal entry type,interest area, and/or buffer area in which data for a transaction isstored.

The transaction record can prove, for example, when each transactionoccurred with each audience member, the audience type for each audiencemember, what was communicated to each audience member, including throughverbal communications, mailed communications, emailed communications,phone calls, personal communications, or otherwise, data for other typesof transactions, and each document associated with a transaction, suchas training or education materials or other documents. The transactionrecord is one mechanism with which the CAM system enables a user toeasily determine whether or not it has complied with a set ofregulations and easily identify the compliance for an audit.

In one example, the CAM system of the present invention enables a userto identify, for example, that training was offered to emergencyofficials, identify the specific emergency officials that attended aparticular training event, and link training videos and certificationtests for a particular certification. The CAM system further enables auser to identify that a particular emergency official had been contactedmultiple times about attending the training, identify and link specificdocuments that had been transmitted to the emergency official, andidentify other aspects of the regulations for which compliance isrequired.

In another example, the user produces a transaction record from the CAMsystem that proves it performed a selected test, identified an audiencein a buffer area, identified each audience type for the audience, sentletters to each contact in the audience, and sent reminder letters toeach contact in the audience. If a selected contact responds with aletter or a call, the user is able to identify records showing that theuser called the contact in response to the letter or call and compliedwith other regulatory issues associated with that contact.

In one embodiment, the CAM system includes a browser-based dynamicglobal information system (GIS) functionality used to managerelationships with one or more audience members and to track anddocument each transaction with each audience member, including eachcommunication. With the GIS functionality, a user can quickly andgeographically identify CAP assets, audience members, interest areas,and/or buffer areas and audience members within the interest areasand/or the buffer areas.

In one example, audience members within an interest area and/or a bufferarea are color coded for a GIS-based display to identify selecteddesignations for the audience members. For example, audience memberswithin an interest area and/or a buffer area that have received safetytraining for a particular event and that have been certified for thatsafety training are color coded as red. Audience members that have notreceived the safety training and have not been certified are color codedas blue. If an accident occurs, the user may easily determine allaudience members within a geographic area, geographically select anaudience member, and review the transaction record for the selectedaudience member to determine if the safety training and certificationhad been offered to the selected audience member and subsequent eventsassociated with that selected audience member. Thus, the user cangeographically determine whether or not it complied with regulationsassociated with offering safety training to the selected group ofaudience members and certifying the selected group of audience membersin that safety training.

In one embodiment, the CAM system includes a journal utility thatenables a CAM system user to make one or more journal entries. A journalentry has journal data with one or more descriptions, comments, userinformation, audience information, transaction information, and otherinformation for one or more audience members, transactions, CAP assets,and/or other CAM data. In one example, the journal entry is used todocument a name and address for an audience member, when a CAM systemuser sends correspondence to an audience member, when an audience membercalls the CAM system user to request information and the content of thecall, when the CAM system user mails a disclosure document to anaudience member and the content of the document, when the CAM systemuser follows up with the audience member with a phone call and thecontent of the phone call, and other instances and information. Thejournal entry can be used to identify documents transmitted to anaudience member, such as training or certification materials or otherdocuments. In some instances, the training or certification materials orother documents are linked to or attached to the journal entry. Inanother example, journal data is stored in one or more journal records.In another example, each journal entry and the journal data associatedwith the journal entry is stored in a journal record.

In another example, a journal entry captures data when a change is madeto an audience member or an audience record, identifies the user thatmade the change, and enables the user to add a comment indicating whythe change was made. In another example, the CAM system automaticallycreates a journal entry when an audience record is inserted, edited, ordeleted. In this example, the journal entry contains a CAM system useridentifier, the action taken, such as insertion, edit, or deletion, thedate the action is taken, and a user comment.

In one embodiment, the journal utility maintains journal data in ajournal log file for each audience member, transaction, CAP asset,and/or other CAM data. The journal log file can contain, for example, aseries of transactions for a single audience member, including a dateand description of each communication with the audience member, how eachcommunication was made, who made the communication, the content of thecommunication, and an identification of each document for a transaction.In one example, each journal record associated with an audience memberis identified in a journal log file. In another example, each journalrecord associated with a transaction or a CAP asset is identified in ajournal log file.

In another example, an audience member calls the user and tells the userthe audience member's grass is dying. The user determines that theaudience member lives near a pipeline, determines that an informationpamphlet previously was mailed to the audience member, and provides theinformation again to the audience member. The user adds a journal entryin the CAM system documenting all of the foregoing. A journal log filefor this audience member identifies journal records for both of themailings and the call.

In another example, a user communicates with public emergency officials,sends the emergency officials information regarding safety training, andcalls the emergency officials to attempt to set up a training sessionwith the emergency officials. Some emergency officials attend thetraining session, and others do not respond to the communication or thephone call. The user documents each instance in which it attempted tocommunicate with the emergency officials using the journal utility,including the initial mailing and the follow up phone call, todemonstrate that the user complied with applicable regulations and/orinternal guidelines for communicating with the emergency officials. Theuser further documents additional information using the journal utilityfor each additional communication, including the particulars of thetraining sessions for the safety training, certifications issued for thesafety training, and particulars about each audience member, such aswhere that audience member lives and works, professional organizationsto which the audience member belongs, specific days the audience memberworks and can be contacted by the user, and other information. All ofthe journal entries are identified in a journal log file in thisexample.

In another embodiment, the CAM system has a link documents utility thatenables a user to link one or more documents to one or more audiencemembers, transactions, journal entries, CAP assets, and/or other CAMdata. In one embodiment, a document is linked to audience member datafor an audience member when the document is transmitted to the audiencemember. For example, when a user sends a document to an audience memberin a mailing with a letter, the user may link the letter and thedocument to the audience member data in the CAM system for that audiencemember.

By using the journal utility and/or the link documents utility, a usercan manage a dialog and rapport with an audience member and documenteach transaction, including each communication, with the audiencemember. By using the journal utility and/or the link documents utility,the user can track each communication or other transaction with or foran audience member or a particular project or system and create recordsthat are easily auditable by the user or a third party. Moreover, theauditor, whether it be the user or a third party, can easily identifythe documents that were transmitted in a communication since thedocuments are attached to the audience member data and/or correspond tojournal entries.

In another embodiment, the CAM system has a bulk journal utility thatenables a bulk journal entry and/or a bulk link documents utility thatenables a bulk document link through which a user can document atransaction with multiple audience members using a single journal entryand/or a single document link. For example, if a user mails a publicservice announcement to 100,000 people, such as all people within aninterest area and/or a buffer area, the user can select all 100,000people from an audience member list in the CAM system and add a journalentry for each audience member at the same time. The journal entry canidentify that the public service announcement was mailed on thespecified date and identify the content of the service announcement. Ifthe user follows up with all or a portion of the audience members in theinterest area and/or the buffer area, the user can document thefollow-up with another journal entry and indicate the type ofcommunication, the date, and the content of the communication.

The CAM system, including the GIS function, the audience utility, thejournal utility, and/or the link documents utility, can be used formultiple industries or systems. For example, an asset managed by the CAMsystem can include a movie theater, a bank, or a school. A user can usethe CAM system to document attempts to contact the manager of the movietheater, communicate the user's company information to the theatermanager, communicate environmental issues to the theater manager, andcommunicate other issues. Other examples exist.

FIG. 1 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a community awarenessmanagement (CAM) system 102 for managing a community awareness program(CAP). The CAM system 102 manages CAM data and geospatial data for aCAP.

The CAM system 102 links one or more CAM datasets with one or morespatial layers. The spatial layers and the CAM datasets includefeatures, and features include spatial attributes and/or CAM dataattributes. CAM data comprises data managed by the CAM system 102 forthe CAP, and includes audience data, asset data, program data, auditdata, interest area data, buffer area data, journal data, document data,user data, and other data used in the management of the CAP. CAM dataalso includes geospatial data in some instances. However, for simplicitythe' geospatial data will be referred to separately in many referencesherein.

Geospatial data comprises geographic data and/or spatial data.Geographic data comprises data identifying a geography, such as aterrain, streets or highways, streams, lakes, other bodies of water,parks, mountains, land marks, structures, and/or other geographic data,including graphic data, image data, text data, and/or other data.Spatial data comprises data of or representing geographic elements ordata, including graphic data, image data, text data, and/or other data,and representing a position or location, such as a position or locationin space. Spatial data includes location data or position data, such asa latitude, a longitude, an address, a city, a state, a county, streets,street crossings, and/or other data.

A spatial attribute is one or more points, lines, and/or polygons thatrepresent a geographic element, a spatial element, and/or anotherphysical or logical element. A geographic element includes a pipeline,an audience area, a CAM structure or system, a building, a city, acounty, a selected area, a state, a country, an address, a zip code, alocation, a point in space, or another element. Generally, a geographicelement has a position, such as a position in space. Likewise, aphysical element generally has a position, such as a position in space.A geospatial element comprises a spatial element, a geographic element,or both. Geospatial attributes, geospatial data, and geospatial layersmay simply be referred to herein as spatial attributes, spatial data,and spatial layers.

A geocode identifies a geographic location of a place or a thing. Ageocode may be, for example, a latitude and a longitude of a location.However, other location identifiers may be used to designate ageographic location. Examples of location identifiers are latitude andlongitude coordinates, north, south, east, west, up, down, left, right,vertical and horizontal coordinates, North America Data (NAD) 27, NAD83, axial coordinates, other ordinate systems, positioning indicators,and mark identifiers.

A data attribute is a member of a collection of data that has arelationship to an element, either directly or indirectly. For example,when grouping audience data for a CAM system, the audience is a dataattribute that has a relationship to the CAM system. In another example,when grouping finance information for leases of land for pipelines, thefinance information is a data attribute that has a relationship to alease for land. Data for a data attribute may simply be referred to asattribute data.

A feature is an element that has one or more feature attributes,including one or more CAM data attributes and/or one or more spatialattributes. The CAM data attributes and/or spatial attributes have arelationship to each other because of the relationship to the element.For example, a pipeline is a feature that has a width/diameter dataattribute and a location spatial attribute. A second pipeline is anotherfeature that has a width/diameter data attribute and a differentlocation spatial attribute. Each pipeline is a different feature becauseeach pipeline can be separately identified with its data attributesand/or spatial attributes.

In another example, a first audience statistic is a data attribute of afirst zip code feature, and a second audience statistic is a dataattribute of a second zip code feature. In this example, the zip code isa spatial element because it has at least one spatial attribute, such asa position and boundaries.

Data for a feature may be referred to simply as feature data. Data for afeature attribute, including data for one or more data attributes and/orone or more spatial attributes, may be referred to simply as featureattribute data or more simply as feature data. Non-geospatial featuredata may be referred to as program feature data or CAM feature data.Geospatial feature data may be referred to simply as geospatial data orspatial data.

Natural attributes of a feature are those attributes that are inherentto the feature. In one example, a natural attribute of an audience is aresident, a business, or another attribute. In another example, anatural attribute of a pipeline is a centerline.

Each data attribute and each spatial attribute has a data value. In theabove example, the width attribute and the location attribute of thefirst pipeline each are populated with a data value. These data valuesare collected in datasets. The datasets may be in one or more databases,in discrete data sources, or in other locations. In some instancesherein and dependent on usage, the data value for the data attribute isreferred to simply as the data attribute.

A layer is a collection of similar features that have common types ofCAM data attributes and/or spatial attributes. Using the examples above,a pipeline layer includes the first pipeline as a first feature and thesecond pipeline as a second feature. The features are grouped in thepipeline layer because they have similar data attributes of pipelinedata.

Layers include a spatial data layer, a CAM data layer, and/or otherlayers. A spatial layer contains or identifies some spatial information,such as a city, county, state, region, address, zip code, SIC code, FIPScode, or another spatial element. Typically, spatial layers are a set ofone or more features that have a set of one or more spatial dataattributes. For example, a layer of United States counties might havedata for a resident, a business, emergency responders, or otheremergency officials and related audience data, in addition to thespatial information that describes the shape of each county. A CAM datalayer often contains or identifies CAM data, such as audience members.In other example, CAM data layers contain or identify an interest areaor a buffer area. CAM data layers, such as an audience layer, aninterest area layer, and/or a buffer area layer refer to displayable ordisplayed data in some instances.

A dataset, such as a data table, a data file, a data structure, oranother dataset, may be located in a database or a location other than adatabase. The database or other location may contain spatial informationfor the spatial layer or other information for other layers. The datasetmay be in a different location than other datasets. A non-geospatialdataset for the CAP maybe referred to as a program dataset or a CAMdataset. A geospatial dataset is referred to as a spatial dataset.Datasets have the same relation to features and attributes as layers inone embodiment.

A disparate CAM dataset refers to a CAM dataset that is not co-locatedwith another dataset or is not in a same data system, database, or datastructure as the other dataset. Disparate CAM datasets may be located,for example, in different storage areas, such as different databases,different relational database management system (RDMS) database tables,or other different data structures. However, some disparate datasets maybe located in the same storage area, such as a same database, butorganized as different data tables or structures.

FIG. 2 depicts an example of the above referenced relationship betweenattributes 202-208, features 210-212, and a layer 214. In the example ofFIG. 2, a first feature 210 has a first attribute 202 to an Nthattribute 204. A second feature 212 has a first attribute 206 to an Nthattribute 208. The two features 210 and 212 are part of a layer 214.

Referring again to FIG. 1, the CAM system 102 includes a spatialprocessing system 104, a user interface 106, and a data system 108. TheCAM system 102 optionally may include another data system 110 and/or aninput/output device 112 associated with the user interface 106. The CAMsystem 102 manages data for a CAP, including geospatial data and CAMdata. In one embodiment, the CAM data includes CAP asset data. In oneembodiment, the CAM system 102 manages data for a pipeline CAP, and theCAP asset data includes pipeline asset data.

The spatial processing system 104 processes geospatial data and CAM datafrom one or more CAM datasets related to a CAM system and spatiallylinks the geospatial data and the CAM data to create one or morespatially linked CAM datasets. The spatial processing system 104 thenenables performing queries of the linked CAM data and geospatial data.The spatial processing system 104 renders geospatial data and CAM datato the user interface for display, including map data, asset data,interest area data, buffer area data, audience data, journal data,document data, and other CAM data. In some instances herein, geospatialdata is referred to simply as spatial data.

The spatial processing system 104 includes one or more processors toprocess the spatial data and the CAM data, to link the spatial data andthe CAM data, and to perform queries. Memory is used to store data.

In one embodiment, the spatial processing system 104 enables linking oneor more sets of spatial data to one or more sets of CAM data. Thespatial processing system 104 has a configuration element, such as aconfiguration file. In one example, the configuration element is anextensible markup language (XML) configuration file residing in thespatial processing system 104. The link or links between the spatialdata and the CAM data is defined in the configuration file.

In one example, the spatial data is organized as spatial data layers,and the CAM data is organized in CAM datasets. A configuration filecontains a definition of all spatial data layers and CAM datasets thatcan be accessed by the spatial processing system 104. Each spatial datalayer and CAM dataset has a configuration section, and eachconfiguration section has a link section. If a CAM dataset is to belinked to a spatial data layer, the CAM dataset's link sectionidentifies each data attribute that is linked to the corresponding dataattribute in the spatial data layer. The spatial data layer's linksection has a similar identification. In one example, the spatialprocessing system 104 links a journal entries CAM dataset from a tablein one database and a contacts CAM dataset from a table in anotherdatabase with a spatial layer. The link is defined based on commonattributes or fields, which are attributes or fields that the journalentries CAM dataset and the contacts CAM dataset have in common with thespatial layer. These common attributes or fields are sometimes referredto as natural keys herein.

In one embodiment, a link configuration enables the spatial processingsystem 104 to construct a series of nested queries at runtime to obtainjournal entries that have a natural relationship to audience members,such as feature data attributes common to both the journal entries andthe audience members. In this embodiment, the queries are referred to asbeing nested because the spatial layer is queried first to get acollection of feature data that matches the search criteria from aspatial aspect. Then, for each set of feature data that resulted fromthe spatial query of the spatial layer, the spatial processing system104 executes one or more queries against the CAM datasets to obtain theassociated linked data.

In one example, the spatial processing system 104 enables creation of aquery tool, such as a search tool or a filter tool, to perform nestedqueries. A query tool, for example, identifies contacts having a certainaudience type that have received, or responded to, a selected mailing.In this example, a contacts CAM dataset contains names, addresses, andaudience types of contacts, and a journal entries CAM dataset containsan indication of the contacts that have received, or responded to, theselected mailing. A link is configured between the contacts CAM datasetand the journal entries CAM dataset using a spatial layer. The querytool queries the contacts CAM dataset to identify the contacts havingthe selected audience type. For each set of contact feature datareturned in the first query, the query tool then queries the journalentries CAM dataset to identify entries that identify the selectedmailing. The link configuration also facilitates the display of journalentries when a contact is selected.

In another example, the contacts data is organized as the spatial layer,and the journal entries data is organized as the CAM dataset. In thisexample, the query tool is used to identify a collection of feature datafrom the contacts spatial layer that matches the search criteria from aspatial aspect, such as all contact's within a certain zip code. Then,for each set of feature data that resulted from the query of the spatiallayer, the spatial processing system 104 executes a query against thejournal entries CAM dataset to obtain the associated linked data, whichin this instance are the journal entries.

In one embodiment, the spatial processing system 104 enables dynamicallylinking documents to spatial data or CAM data. Linking documents in thisway enables organizing documents and navigating to documents spatially,effectively building a run-time relationship between individual spatialdata and/or CAM data and one or more documents. For example, a documentcontaining the name, address, contact person, and audience type for acity or county can be linked to a company/contact feature of an audiencelayer.

In one example, a user interface is used to insert a new document into adocument index database and bind the index entry to a selected spatiallayer. The user interface queries the user for the document location andthe specific spatial layer feature data to which the document will belinked. The document is then “bound” to the feature data of the spatiallayer in the document index table. In one embodiment, a structured querylanguage (SQL) is used to insert document index relationship entries tospecify documents that are associated with specific feature data.Alternately, a GUI wizard can facilitate this process.

In one embodiment, the spatial processing system 104 generates spatialdata and CAM data for display. The spatial data and some CAM data aregenerated for display as a map. Other CAM data is generated for displayas text and/or graphics. The spatial processing system 104 enables auser to access linked documents by selecting spatial data on the map orby selecting CAM data. If linked documents exist for the selected data,references identifying the document titles are displayed. The user canthen display these linked documents by selecting the respective documentreference. Other examples exist.

The user interface 106 presents spatial data and/or CAM data for displayto a user. The spatial data and/or CAM data is received at the userinterface 106 from the spatial processing system 104. The user interface106 also enables a user to enter input data to be used for queries,linking CAM data and spatial data, otherwise building an application,and other purposes. The queries are sent to, and processed by, thespatial processing system 106.

The data systems 108 and 110 store and/or retrieve spatial data, CAMdata, and/or other data related to the CAM system. The data systems 108and 110 communicate with the spatial processing system 104 to transmitdata to, and/or receive data from, the spatial processing system.Although one data system 108 and one other optional data system 110 aredepicted in FIG. 1, the data systems each or together represent one ormultiple data systems.

In one embodiment, the data system 108 and/or the data system 110 is adata system internal to the spatial processing system 104. In thisembodiment, the data system 108 and/or 110 can be accessed via anIntranet connection, another Internet protocol (IP) connection, oranother network connection. Alternately, the data system 108 and/or 110can be connected directly to, or be a sub-component of, the spatialprocessing system 104. Other data systems may be used.

In another embodiment, the data system 108 and/or the data system 110 isan external data system. In this embodiment, the data system 108 and/or110 communicates with the spatial processing system 104, such as over aconnection, to transmit data to, and receive data from, the spatialprocessing system. In another embodiment, the external data system 108and/or 110 is accessed via an internet connection, another connection,or another network connection. In this embodiment, the spatialprocessing system 104 processes a universal resource locator (URL) oranother designation to connect to the external data system 108 and/or110 and to communicate with the external data system for retrievingand/or sending data.

The input/output device 112 includes a monitor, a processor, a computer,a printer, another data output device, a mouse, a trackball, a touchpad, or other pointer, a keyboard, another data entry device, otherinput or output devices, and/or a combination of the foregoing. In oneembodiment, the user interface 106 is generated for display to theinput/output device 112. In another embodiment, the user interface 106receives input data from the input/output device 112. In one embodiment,the input/output device 112 is a user computer for which the userinterface 106 is generated. In one example of this embodiment, the usercomputer communicates with the spatial processing system 104 via aninternet connection, an intranet connection, another IP connection,another network, and/or another connection.

The spatial processing system 104 may operate with one or multiple userson a one-to-one basis, a one-to-many basis, or a many-to-one basis. Inone example, the spatial processing system 104 communicates withmultiple users for multiple input/output devices. In another embodiment,the spatial processing system 104 operates as a service bureau andcommunicates with one or more input/output devices and/or data systems,In another embodiment, the spatial processing system 104 operates as aweb hosting system and communicates with one or more input/outputdevices and/or data systems. In another embodiment, the spatialprocessing system 104 operates as an internal system for a company tomanage assets for the company.

FIG. 3 depicts an embodiment of a spatial processing system 104A processfor spatially linking spatial data and CAM data. In this embodiment, thespatial data is configured in spatial layers, and the CAM data isconfigured in disparate CAM datasets. The spatial processing system 104Aspatially links one or more spatial layers 302-304 with one or moredisparate CAM datasets 306-310 to create one or more spatially linkedCAM datasets 312. In one embodiment, the spatial link configuration issaved in a configuration element 314, such as a configuration file oranother configuration element.

Spatial layers have data attributes that are native to the spatialfeatures. For example, a county has a shape. But, it also has otherattributes, such as audiences and other attributes. These natural dataattributes are the data attributes that are part of the spatial layer.

While the disparate CAM datasets are not a part of the features of thespatial layer in one embodiment, the CAM datasets can be linked to thespatial layer using data attributes from the CAM dataset that arerelated to the spatial layer to create linked datasets, such as from acommon data attribute. A user then can access the disparate datasetsspatially.

Accessing a dataset spatially refers to querying a linked CAM datasetthat has a relationship to spatial data in a spatial layer and selectingdata from the linked CAM dataset and/or the spatial layer based on theselected spatial data or the selected CAM data. As an illustration, apipeline spatial layer has a pipeline audience feature that has a firstdataset with audience attributes. An audience identification (ID)statistic could be added to the data attributes of the pipeline audiencefeature. However, the specific attribute for the audience ID statisticwould only represent one moment in time, which is the audience at thetime of creation of the pipeline spatial layer. If the audience IDstatistics are left in a second dataset that is disparate from the firstdataset, but both are linked with a pipeline spatial layer, audience IDstatistics representing different points in time may be accessed withouthaving to change the spatial layer representing pipelines for each pointin time that is of interest.

The linked datasets in this example may be accessed spatially, forexample, by querying the pipeline spatial layer for pipelines in aregion that have residents within a specified area. The resident datafrom the resulting pipeline area query at various points in time will beproduced. In this example, the resident data is spatially accessed viathe spatial attributes of the pipeline spatial layer, i.e., thepipelines in an area, and the data attributes for the pipelines, i.e.,the residents within the specified area.

In one embodiment, disparate CAM datasets are dynamically linked at runtime with a spatial layer to create a linked CAM dataset, therebyextending the natural data attributes of the spatial layer with thosefrom the linked dataset. The datasets are linked using an attributecommon to both CAM datasets and the spatial layer and are linked withoutcopying data from one CAM dataset to the other.

The spatial system 102 links the disparate CAM datasets so that the CAMdatasets may remain in their respective original data location, file,table, database, structure, or other location. Thus, the need toreplicate the data to get it into the same (non-disparate) CAM datasetas the spatial data or the same dataset as another dataset iseliminated. This combination of one or more disparate CAM datasets andone or more spatial layers (or other spatial data) is referred to as alinked dataset.

In one embodiment, multiple CAM datasets are identified from a query,and the CAM databases are merged at run time using a data attributecommon to a spatial layer and to the multiple CAM datasets. In thisembodiment, the CAM datasets and the spatial layer are linkeddynamically at run time, not permanently. As a result, any number oflinked CAM datasets can be established for a spatial layer withoutaltering the spatial and data attributes of the spatial layer orrequiring any alterations of the disparate CAM datasets. The spatialprocessing system 104A enables linking CAM. datasets from differentdatabases, structures, and database and structure types.

In one embodiment, a CAM dataset is spatially linked with a spatiallayer by identifying an attribute common to the spatial layer and to theCAM dataset and defining a link between the spatial layer and the CAMdataset for that attribute. The link instructs the spatial processingsystem 104 where to find the CAM dataset and how to relate it to thespatial layer. In one example, a common attribute is identified betweenthe spatial layer and the CAM dataset, the locations of the dataattribute for the CAM dataset and the spatial layer are identified, andthe data attribute is linked between the CAM dataset and the sameattribute of the spatial layer.

In another embodiment, a spatial layer is linked using a data attributethat is present in both the spatial layer and the CAM dataset. Inanother embodiment, a spatial layer is linked to a first CAM dataset bylinking a data attribute that is present in both the spatial layer andthe first CAM dataset, and the spatial layer is linked to a second CAMdataset by linking another data attribute that is present in both thespatial layer and the second CAM dataset. In this embodiment, thespatial layer is spatially linked to the first CAM dataset and thesecond CAM dataset, and the first CAM dataset and the second CAM datasetare indirectly linked to each other via the spatial layer. In thisembodiment, the first data attribute is different from the second dataattribute.

In still another embodiment, the spatial layer is linked to a first CAMdataset by linking a data attribute that is present in both the spatiallayer and the first CAM dataset. The spatial layer is linked to a secondCAM dataset by linking the same data attribute, which also is present inthe second CAM dataset.

In one embodiment, the CAM system 102 has a graphical user interface(GUI) with a configuration manager that is used to define therelationships between one or more CAM datasets and one or more spatiallayers. This may be, for example, a textual definition of therelationship that one or more spatial layers will have at run-time toone or more disparate CAM datasets. The linking relationships, forexample, may be defined via XML entries within the CAM system 102. Thelinked CAM dataset configuration definitions then are stored by theconfiguration manager in XML for use by the CAM system 102. Thus, a userdoes not have to write code to link the datasets.

FIG. 4 depicts an exemplary embodiment of selectable options and outputsof a spatial processing system 104B, including defined tool sets. Theselectable options and outputs are exemplary. Other examples exist.

One or more spatial layers 402 are defined for an application of thespatial processing system 104B. The particular application, such as apipeline application, an oil well application, a population statisticsapplication, or a cell tower application, determine the particularspatial layers that are defined. In one example for a pipelineapplication, spatial layers are defined for pipeline assets, audiencelayers, buffer areas, interest areas, journal entries, counties, zipcodes, cities and other layers. The spatial layers that are defined andselected for processing may be queried, and the corresponding spatialdata may be generated to a map image or other image as spatial features.

One or more CAM datasets 404 are defined for an application of thespatial processing system 104B. The particular application, such as apipeline application, an oil well application, a population statisticsapplication, or a cell tower application, determine the particular CAMdatasets that are defined. In one example for a pipeline application,CAM datasets are defined for pipeline asset data, audience data, bufferarea data, interest area data, journal entries data, and other CAMdatasets. The CAM datasets that are defined and selected for processingmay be queried, and the corresponding CAM data may be generated asfeature data for display as an image, in a table, as text, as a graphic,or in another manner.

A set of tools is defined for the particular application of the spatialprocessing system 104B. Multiple types of tools maybe available. In theembodiment of FIG. 4, the tools include a search tool 406, a filter tool408, and a view tool 410. The tools may be used to query one or morespatial layers and/or linked CAM datasets or view data of one or morespatial layers and/or linked CAM datasets. Other tools may be used.

The search tool 406 enables a query. When the search tool 406 isselected, a corresponding input is used to search the selected spatiallayer or layers and the linked CAM dataset or datasets. In one example,the input is entered via a user interface.

The filter tool 408 also enables a query. When the filter tool 408 isselected, a corresponding input is used to search the selected spatiallayer or layers and the linked CAM dataset or datasets. In oneembodiment, the input is entered via a user interface. The filter tool408 is similar to the search tool 406. However, the filter tool 408 isenabled once selected and stays enabled until de-selected. The searchtool 406 is enabled only for a single search and is selected again for anext search.

The view tool 410 enables viewing an item selected from the viewed tool.In one embodiment, the selected item is viewed via a user interface.

One or more outputs are generated if a match between an input and one ormore spatial layers and/or one or more linked CAM datasets is identifiedfor a query. If a query match is identified for one or more spatiallayers, the selected spatial layer features 414 resulting from thematch, including the attributes for each of the features, are generatedfor display, such as in a map image. If a query match is identified forone or more CAM datasets on which the query is performed, the selectedCAM dataset features 416 resulting from the match, including theattributes for each of the features, are generated for display, such asin a list specifying each selected feature and its corresponding dataattributes. In some instances, CAM data also is generated for display inthe map, such as audience location data, interest area data, bufferdata, and CAP asset data.

If a query match is identified for one or more CAM datasets that arelinked to the spatial layer, the corresponding linked features 418resulting from the match are generated for display, such as each with alinked feature reference in a list. In one embodiment, each linkedfeature reference can be selected to display a list specifying thecorresponding dataset features and their data attributes. In oneexample, if multiple linked CAM datasets have features that match aquery, the features from a first CAM dataset are generated for display,such as in a list. In this example, linked feature references for theother CAM datasets are displayed as hyperlinks. The user may select thehyperlink for the corresponding CAM dataset to display the features forthat CAM dataset.

If a query match is identified for one or more documents that are linkedto the spatial layer or the linked CAM datasets, the correspondinglinked documents 420 resulting from the match are generated for display.In one example, the linked documents are displayed in a display frame.In another example, each document is displayed with a linked documentreference in a list. In this example, each linked document reference canbe selected to display the corresponding document.

A user also may use the linked CAM datasets within the definitions ofuser tools. The tools may include search, filter, view, or other toolsthat are published for use by a CAM system 102 application. The CAMsystem 102 application then can use these published tools to obtaininformation from spatial layers and linked CAM datasets.

For example, a query is performed for the spatially linked data. Boththe spatial layer and the linked CAM dataset are queried with an input.The spatial layer is queried to identify spatial data that match theinput, if any. The linked CAM dataset is queried to identify data fromthe linked CAM dataset that matches the input, if any. In oneembodiment, the spatial layer is queried first, and the linked CAMdataset is queried next. In another embodiment, the linked CAM datasetis queried first, and the spatial layer is queried next. In oneembodiment, an SQL query is performed on the linked CAM data. In anotherembodiment, an SQL query is performed on the spatial layer. Otherqueries may be used in other embodiments.

If a query match is identified for the spatial layer, the feature dataassociated with the match is generated for display, such as with a mapimage. If a query match is identified for the linked CAM dataset, thefeature data associated with the match is generated for display. Thematching feature data may be referred to herein as selected features.The selected features from the linked CAM dataset are generated fordisplay in one embodiment as a tabular list. In another embodiment, aquery match also identifies linked features, linked documents, and/orother cross reference data. The linked features, linked documents,and/or other cross reference data are generated for display in oneembodiment. Cross reference data is document data, linked feature data,and other data associated with specific feature data returned inresponse to a query.

Linked CAM datasets can be used within tools as if the attributes of thelinked CAM dataset were natural data attributes of a spatial layer. Forexample, a filter tool might be created that highlights audiences havinga selected SIC code. In this example, the filter tool uses a linked CAMdataset on the audience spatial layer to provide audiences having aselected SIC code and audience type because the SIC code is not presentin the data attributes of the audience spatial layer. The tool actuallyuses data attributes of the linked CAM dataset to narrow the set ofspatial data that result from the tool's query operation. Thus, the dataattributes of the linked CAM dataset appear to the rest of the CAMsystem 102 as if they were just part of the native attributes of thespatial layer.

In one embodiment, when a published query tool is used, such as a filtertool or a search tool, a map image illustrating the results of the queryis generated for display, Optionally, a list of data attributes thatresulted from the query operation also is generated for display, such asin a tabular list. These data attributes include attributes from thespatial layer and/or attributes from the CAM datasets.

In one example of a tabular display, each row of the table is adifferent feature, and each column depicts a different attribute of thefeature. The table may include column headings to identify the featureattributes. A list of the linked CAM datasets associated with thefeature's parent layer that have available data also is generated. Theuser can select any of the available linked CAM datasets to display alist of records from the selected linked CAM dataset.

FIG. 5 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a linked CAM datasetdefinition process 502. A spatial layer is selected at step 504. A CAMdataset having a natural relationship with the selected spatial layer isselected at step 506. As used herein, datasets and/or spatial layershave a natural relationship when they have one or more common dataattributes. A common data attribute is selected from the selectedspatial layer at step 508. The common data attribute is selected fromthe selected CAM dataset at step 510. The selected spatial layer dataattribute is defined to the selected CAM data attribute in aconfiguration file or other configuration element at step 512.

The next step is determined at step 514. Steps 508-512 may be repeatedto define another common data attribute for the selected spatial layerand the selected CAM dataset. Steps 504-512 may be repeated to define acommon data attribute for another spatial layer and/or another CAMdataset. The process ends at step 516.

In one embodiment, after one or more linked CAM datasets are defined,SQL type statements are used to describe a query that spans the spatiallayers and the linked datasets. The query is used to match an input fora query to the spatial layers and the linked datasets. In one example ofthis embodiment, SQL type statements describe multiple transactions usedto query the spatial layers and the linked datasets. The statements useXML to describe how to select data fields for the query. The statementsinclude a selection clause to identify elements that are wanted, a fromclause to identify from what spatial layers and/or datasets the data isto be queried, a where clause to identify what criteria is used toselect data, an order clause to identify the order used to present datathat matches the query, and a group clause to identify how common/likedata is to be grouped, such as by rows. The statements are presentedwith database/data system neutral definitions and vendor neutraldefinitions.

In one embodiment, the base SQL statements for the queries, includingqueries for the filter tools and the search tools, are templates definedin the configuration files. However, the SQL statements may be modifiedat runtime to account for optional user inputs that were not supplied inthe configuration file. For example, if an SQL statement for a query isdefined to expect three arguments from the user, but only two aresupplied, the third argument is removed from the SQL statement atruntime, providing the third argument was defined as being optional.

FIG. 6 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a spatial processing system104C. In the embodiment of FIG. 6, the spatial processing system 104Cincludes a program management system 602, a spatial management system604, and a data management system 606. The program management system 602communicates with a user system 608 via a connection, such as a wirelessor wireline connection, including an internet connection, an intranetconnection, another internet protocol connection, another networkconnection, or another connection.

The spatial processing system 104C may operate with one or multipleusers on a one-to-one basis, a one-to-many basis, or a many-to-onebasis. In one example, the spatial processing system 104C communicateswith multiple user systems. In another embodiment, the spatialprocessing system 104C operates as a service bureau and communicateswith one or more user systems and/or data systems. In anotherembodiment, the spatial processing system 104C operates as a web hostingsystem and communicates with one or more user systems and/or datasystems. In another embodiment, the spatial processing system 104Coperates as an internal system for a company to manage assets for thecompany.

The program management system 602 receives communications from, andtransmits communications to, the spatial management system 604 and thedata management system 606 and processes the communications. Thecommunications may be queries, data, signaling, or other communications.The program management system 602 receives, transmits, and processesgeospatial data for one or more spatial layers and/or CAM data for oneor more CAM datasets.

The program management system 602 communicates with the spatialmanagement system 604 and/or the data management system 606 to obtaingeospatial data and/or CAM data. In one example, the program managementsystem 602 queries the spatial management system 604 and/or the datamanagement system for features that match selected criteria, such as forgeospatial data and/or CAM data. The query may be for a search, afilter, or another query meeting selected criteria. In this example, theprogram management system 602 receives from the spatial managementsystem 604 and/or the data management system feature data that matchesthe query, including geospatial data and/or CAM data.

The program management system 602 receives communications from the usersystem 608, transmits communications to the user system, and manages thecommunications. The communications may be, for example, queries, data,signaling, and/or other communications. The communications also may beresponses or requests, such as requests for audience data, program data,spatial data, asset data, buffer data, interest area data, documentdata, journal data, and/or other data. Other communications may include,for example, static content, such as hyper text markup language (HTML)communications, images, JavaScript communications, and data identifyingstyles. Still other communications may include non-static content, suchas Java server pages (JSPs), Servlets, flash content, and other content.The signaling may include, for example, instructions to rendercommunications, instructions to query or transmit data, instructions inresponse to a query or to transmit data, instructions to obtainaccess-to the spatial processing system 104C, or other instructions. Inone embodiment, the program management system 602 communicates with theuser system 608 via hyper text transfer protocol (HTTP).

The program management system 602 renders one or more images, featuredata, and/or other data, such as for a user interface, in someembodiments. The program management system 602 formats the images and/orfeature data in a form receivable by the user system 608. In oneembodiment, the program management system 602 renders the images and/orfeature data into an HTML communication in a format receivable by theuser system 608. In some examples, the rendered communications to theuser system 608 include links for documents and/or the documentsthemselves and/or other data.

The spatial management system 604 receives queries from the programmanagement system 602 and, if a match is identified, returns resultsmatching the queries to the program management system. The results mayinclude one or more images and/or feature data. The spatial managementsystem 604 also queries the data management system 606 and receivesresults from the data management system if a match is identified. Thespatial management system 604 often passes the results to the programmanagement system 602, including the feature data and/or one or moreimages.

The feature data may include audience data, CAP asset data, geospatialdata, interest area data, journal data, document data, and/or otherdata. In one embodiment, the CAP is a pipeline CAP, and the CAP assetdata includes pipeline asset data.

In one embodiment, the spatial management system 604 includes a spatialprocessor 610 and an image processor 612. In other embodiments, a singleprocessor may process spatial queries, data, and/or images. In stillother embodiments, the functions of spatial management system 604 may beincluded in one processor or multiple processors.

The spatial processor 610 receives and processes communications, such asqueries and data, from the program management system 602 and the datamanagement system 606. The spatial processor 610 transmitscommunications, such as queries and data, to the program managementsystem 602 and the data management system 606.

In one embodiment, the spatial processor 610 receives spatial queriesand responds with feature data matching the query. If no feature datamatching the query is identified, the spatial processor 610 indicatesthat there is no matching data. In one example, when the spatialprocessor 610 receives a query from the program management system 602,the spatial processor queries the data management system 606 to obtainthe requested spatial data and feature data. The spatial processor 610receives a response from the data management system 606 with therequested spatial data and feature data or an indication that thefeature data does not exist. The spatial processor 610 processes thespatial data and the feature data and transmits the processed data tothe program management system 602.

The spatial processor 610 identifies and generates one or more geocodesbased upon a query, such as a search criteria. The geocodes may includea latitude and a longitude or other location identifiers that designatea geographic location.

The spatial processor 610 geocodes data submitted by the user system608. In one embodiment, the user system 608 transmits data for acontact, including an address. The spatial processor 610 receives thecontact data from the program management system 602 and geocodes thecontact data using the address data. The spatial processor 610 transmitsthe geocode for the contact data to the program management system 602.

The image processor 612 receives queries from the program managementsystem 602. The image processor 612 transmits a response to the programmanagement system 602 with the match to the query or an indication thatthe requested data does not exist. In one example, the response includesone or more images identifying geospatial data for an area correspondingto the query. The one or more images also may identify CAM data, such asone or more CAP assets, interest areas, buffer areas, audience members,or other CAM data.

The image processor 612 receives requests from the program managementsystem 602 for images or other image data, and the image processorresponds to the program management system with the corresponding imagesor other image data or an indication that the requested images or otherimage data do not exist. The image processor 612 generates images orother image data for geographic areas and/or feature data. The imagesmay identify geospatial data, including map data identifying geographicareas for the CAP, and other geospatial data. The images also mayidentify CAM data, such as one or more interest areas, buffer areas,point features, contacts, other audience members, other locations ofinterest, such as buildings and CAP assets, other program data, andother feature data. A point feature is a geocoded location thatindicates a location of a person, place, or thing, such as a CAP asset,a contact or other audience member, and other features. A point featuremay be identified on a map image or other map data.

The image processor 612 queries the data management system 606 to obtainfeature data, including spatial data, point feature data, contact data,other audience member data, CAP asset data, program data, interest areadata, buffer data, and other CAM data. The image processor 612 receivesa response with the match to the query or an indication that therequested data does not exist.

In one embodiment, the queries transmitted from the program managementsystem 602 to the spatial processor 610 and/or the image processor 612are SQL queries. In this embodiment, the responses transmitted from thespatial processor 610 and/or the image processor 612 to the programmanagement system 602 are SQL responses.

In another embodiment, the queries transmitted from the spatialprocessor 610 and/or the image processor 612 to the data managementsystem 606 are SQL queries. In this embodiment, the responsestransmitted from the data management system 606 to the spatial processor610 and/or the image processor 612 are SQL responses.

In one embodiment, the image processor 612 identifies CAM feature dataand spatial data located within a search range of a geocode andgenerates one or more images, text, and/or other data representing theidentified CAM feature data and/or spatial data. In one example, theimage processor 612 generates one or more maps identifying a geographicarea within a range of a query, such as a search, and transmits the mapsto the program management system 602. The maps may include multiplelayers of CAM feature data, including audience data, spatial data, CAPasset data, program data, buffer data, interest area data, documentdata, and/or journal data. Feature data in this example refers to dataselected for display. In one example, the map may identify contacts,other audience members, a pipeline or other pipeline asset or CAP asset,a centerline for a pipeline or an interest area for another CAP asset,and a buffer area for a pipeline or other CAP asset. In this example,layers of data may be selected so they are displayed on the map. Thelayers include both spatial data and CAM data. If the audience layer isnot selected, the audience data from the CAM datasets is not generatedfor display. Similarly, if a roads spatial layer is not selected, thespatial data identifying roads is not generated for display. The imageprocessor 612 also generates images based on navigation criteria, suchas a selection of a pan, zoom, a drag pan, or movement of a map in adirection.

The data management system 606 receives and processes communications,such as queries and data, from the program management system 602 and thespatial management system 604. The data management system 606 transmitscommunications, including spatial data and CAM data, to the programmanagement system 602 and the spatial management system 604. The datamanagement system 606 stores and retrieves spatial data and CAM data.

The data management system 606 may include one or more data storagesystems, databases, data structures, and/or volatile and/or nonvolatilememory. The data management system 606 manages contact data and otheraudience data 614, geospatial data 616, CAP asset data 618, program data620, buffer data 622, interest area data 624, document data 626, and/orjournal data 628.

The audience data 614 may include a contact or audience name, anaudience type, a company or city name, an address, a phone number, a faxnumber, an email address, a region, a SIC code, a FIPS code, statisticalinformation, journal entry data, document data, or other information.The audience data 614 may include one or more contacts or other audiencemembers.

The geospatial data 616 may include geographic data, spatial data, pointdata, or other spatial data. The geospatial data 616 also may includegeocoded or geocoding data, other geocode data, and image data.

The CAP asset data 618 may include data identifying one or more physicalor logical features or entities, environmental features, companyfeatures, equipment features, building features, devices, systems,and/or objects associated with a CAP for which a company, entity, and/oraudience has an interest and/or otherwise affects the operation of thesystem management by the CAP and/or the auditing and/or reporting of theCAM system and/or other CAP features for a CAP. In one embodiment of apipeline CAP, the CAP asset data 618 includes pipeline data, such as awidth, length, and material of a pipeline, structural aspects of thepipeline, valves, building locations, and other structural features ofthe pipeline. The CAP asset data 618 for a pipeline also may includeenvironmental and other features associated with a pipeline CAP.

The program data 620 may include audit information, post office datarelated to the audit program, program specifications, includingregulations and legal information, identifications of users, associatedparties, and other program data used to manage the CAP. In oneembodiment, the program data 620 includes audit data for a pipeline CAP.

The buffer data 622 includes data identifying one or more buffer areasfor one or more CAP assets, interest areas, other CAM data, or otherwisefor the CAP. The buffer data 622 may include buffer area data that is aselected distance from an interest area or a CAP asset, varied ornon-varied selected distances from different points of an interest areaor a CAP asset, a varied or non-varied area from one or more selectedlocations or points, or other data identifying the buffer area. In oneembodiment, the buffer data 622 identifies a buffer area for a pipeline.

The interest area data 624 identifies one or more interest areas for oneor more CAP assets, point features, environmental points of interest, orother identifiers. In one embodiment, the interest area data 624identifies the centerline of a CAP asset. In one example, the centerlineis the centerline of a pipeline.

The document data 626 identifies data of one or more documents. Thedocument data 626 may include documents, such as word processingdocuments, spreadsheet documents, images, HTML documents, portabledocument format (PDF) documents, images, email, regulatory documents, orother documents, data from any of the foregoing, and other documentdata. The document data 626 may identify links to documents or provideother location identifiers to documents.

The journal data 628 includes journal entries, contact identifiers, CAPasset identifiers, and/or other data for a journal. The journal data 628may relate to spatial data and/or CAM data, including data for CAPassets, contacts, other audience members, buffer areas, and interestareas, program data, and/or other relevant data for the CAP.

Any of the data 614-628 in the data management system 606 may includegeocode information. For example, the CAP asset data 618 may include apoint feature or other geocoded location to identify the location of theCAP asset.

The user system 608 includes a processor configured to communicate withthe program management system 602 over a connection. The user system 608receives communications, including data and signaling, and transmitscommunications, including data and signaling. In one embodiment, theuser system 608 includes a browser that displays feature data and imagesreceived from the project management system 602 and that enables theuser to enter input data. Although, other tools may be used to enterdata and display data.

In one embodiment, the spatial processing system 104C operates asfollows. The user system 608 transmits a request to the programmanagement system 602 for audience data identifying public officialswithin a selected zip code. The public officials are a type of audiencemember. The program management system 602 processes the communicationand determines that a request should be made to the spatial managementsystem 604.

The project management system 602 transmits a request to the spatialprocessor 610 to locate the specific type of audience members within theselected zip code. In this example, the zip code is a spatial layer, andthe audience members are in a CAM dataset.

The spatial processor 610 processes the request and geocodes the searchcriteria. The search criteria in this example is the zip code. Thespatial processor 610 transmits a request with the geocode data to thedata management system 606 to locate the feature data meeting theselected criteria. In this example, the selected criteria includecontacts having a type of public official and a spatial property withinthe selected zip code.

The database management system 606 responds to the spatial processor 610with the requested feature data. The spatial processor 610 in turnresponds to the project management system 602 with the feature data thatmatches the request. In this example, the feature data includes a listof contacts that are public officials within the selected zip code.

The project management system 602 processes the response from thespatial processor 610 and determines that a match for the feature datawas located. The program management system 602 transmits a request tothe image processor 612 for the image data that corresponds to thefeature data. The image processor 612 queries the data management system606 for the requested image data.

The data management system 606 processes the request, and transmits aresponse to the image processor 612 with the image data that matches therequest. The image processor 612 processes the image data, and generatesone or more map images to the program management system 602. In thisexample, the map images include a map image depicting the geographicarea identified by the selected zip code and identifying the pointfeatures for the contacts within the zip code, an overview map imageidentifying the selected zip code and the surrounding zip codes withinthe selected range, and a map legend identifying the feature data on themap image.

The program management system 602 transmits a query to the datamanagement system 606 to obtain cross reference data associated with thecontacts. The cross reference data is document data and other dataassociated with specific feature data returned from the spatialprocessor 610 and/or the image processor 612 in response to the queries.In this example, the cross reference data includes documents that arelinked to the contacts and/or the other feature data returned in theresponse. The data management system 606 transmits a response to thequery, which includes links to documents associated with the contacts.In other examples, the data management system 606 transmits the actualdocuments to the program management system 602 in the response.

The program management system 602 also transmits a query to the datamanagement system 606 for associated journal data. In this example, thedata management system 606 responds with journal data, includingspecific journal entries and data identifying the users that added thejournal entries. This query may be within the same query as the crossreference data query or a separate query.

The program management system 602 processes the data received in theresponses from the spatial management system 604 and the data managementsystem 606. The program management system 602 generates a communicationto the user system 608. The program management system 602 renders theimages received from the image processor 612, the feature data receivedfrom the spatial processor 610, and the cross reference data and journaldata received from the data management system 606 for display by theuser system 608. In this example, the cross reference data includeshyper links to linked document data. In one example, the programmanagement system 602 renders the data as a user interface displayableby the user system 608.

In another example, the user system 608 transmits a communication to theprogram management system 602 requesting all contacts at a selectedaddress. In this example, the program management system 602 isconfigured to return results within a selected range or distance of theaddress. The program management system 602 queries the spatialmanagement system 604 to identify feature data within the selected rangeof the address.

The spatial management system 604 geocodes the address and queries thedata management system 606 to identify feature data within the selectedrange of the geocode. The data management system 606 returns the featuredata matching the query to the spatial management system 604. Thespatial management system 604 formats the matching feature data, ifnecessary, and transmits the feature data and the geocode for theaddress to the program management system 602.

The program management system 602 transmits another query to the spatialmanagement system 604 requesting image data corresponding to thegeocode. The spatial management system 604 transmits a response to theprogram management system 602 with the requested image data.

The program management system 602 transmits a request to the datamanagement system 606 to obtain cross reference data. The datamanagement system 606 responds to the program management system 602 withthe cross reference data, including document data and journal data.

The program management system 602 renders the feature data, the imagedata, and the cross reference data to the user system 608. In thisexample, a user interface is rendered with a map identifying ageographic area for the selected range around the address. In thisexample, the feature data includes pipeline data, interest area data,and buffer area data. The interest area data includes centerline datafor the pipeline. The pipeline is indicated on the map by a selectedcolor, symbol, and/or shading. The centerline of the pipeline isindicated by another selected color, symbol, and/or shading. Thecenterline indicates the location of the pipeline in the geographic areaidentified by the map. A buffer area also is indicated on the map. Thebuffer area is indicated by another selected color, shading, and/orsymbol. In this example, the buffer data indicates an area on each sideof the pipeline centerline. Feature data includes spatial data in otherexamples.

The contacts and other audience members are indicated on the map aspoint features. At least some of the point features are displayed in thegeographic area of the map relative to the buffer area. As used herein,the team “relative” means within, next to, or a distance from theassociated object or area, but displayable within a selected range ofthe area or object. In the present example, the point features aredisplayed within or next to the buffer area so that the user canidentify where the contacts and other audience members are in theselected geographic area and where the buffer area is in the selectedgeographic area.

FIG. 7 depicts another exemplary embodiment of a spatial processingsystem 104D. The spatial processing system 104D includes a programmanagement system 602A, a spatial management system 604A, a documentmanagement system 702, an audience management system 704, a journalmanagement system 706, a CAP asset management system 708, an interestarea management system 710, a buffer management system 712, an auditmanagement system 714, and a user interface 716. The spatial processingsystem 104D also includes audience data 614A, geospatial data 616A, CAPasset data 618A, program data 620A, document data 626A, and journal data628A. The CAP asset data 618A of FIG. 7 also includes interest area dataand buffer area data.

The program management system 602A manages the program data 620A,including storage and retrieval of the program data, and communicationsto and from the user interface 716. The communications maybe queries,data, signaling, or other communications. For example, the programmanagement system 602A receives queries for data from the user interface716 and transmits responses to the user interface. The responses mayinclude feature data and image data, including map data.

The program management system 602A manages communications to and fromthe other components of the spatial processing system 104D. Thecommunications may be queries, data, signaling, or other communications.For example, the program management system 602A initiates queries forfeature data and image data, including map data, to other components ofthe spatial processing system 104D, and the program management systemreceives responses from the other components of the spatial processingsystem. The program management system 602A performs other functionssimilar to the program management system 602 of FIG. 6.

The program management system 602 renders one or more images and/orfeature data, such as for the user interface 716. The program managementsystem 602A formats the feature data and/or image data, including mapdata, in a form receivable and processable by the user interface 716. Insome examples, the rendered communications to the user interface 716include links for documents, the documents themselves, and/or otherdata.

The spatial management system 604A manages the spatial data 616A,including storage and retrieval of the geospatial data and querying thespatial data. The spatial management system 604A receives and processescommunications, such as queries and data, from the program managementsystem 602A and other components in the spatial processing system 104D.The spatial management system 604A transmits communications, such asquery results and data, to the program management system 602A. The datamay include feature data and/or image data.

The spatial management system 604A receives queries from the programmanagement system 602A and, if a match is identified, returns resultsmatching the queries to the program management system. The results mayinclude one or more images and/or feature data. In some instances, thespatial management system 604A queries the other components of thespatial processing system 104D and retrieves data from the othercomponents. This data may include audience data, CAP asset data,geospatial data, interest area data, journal data, and/or document data.In one embodiment, the CAP is a pipeline CAP, and the CAP asset dataincludes pipeline asset data.

The spatial management system 604A geocodes data received from theprogram management system 602A or otherwise received via the userinterface 716, including contact data, other audience data, queries, andother data. The spatial management system 604A also retrieves image datacorresponding to feature data and/or geocoded data.

The image data may include map data identifying geographic areas managedby the CAP and the spatial processing system 104D. The image data alsomay include a map image, an overview map image, a legend, a buffer area,a CAP asset, an interest area, an audience member, and/or other spatialdata and/or feature data. The image data also may include point featuresfor contacts or other audience members, CAP assets, buffer areas,interest areas, and other locations or points of interest. The spatialmanagement system 604A also performs functions similar to the spatialmanagement system 604 of FIG. 6.

The document management system 702 manages document data 626A. Thedocument management system 702 enables a user to associate documents tocontacts, other audience members, CAP assets, journal entries, or otherfeature or attribute data so that an associated document or otherassociated document data will be generated for display upon selection ordisplay of selected data or upon selection of a link or other identifierof a document or document data.

In one example, a user uses the user interface 716 to link a document toselected feature data or an attribute of the feature data, such as to acontact or an asset. When the contact or asset data is generated fordisplay, a link for the document also is generated for display. A usermay select the link, and, in response, the document will be generatedfor display by the program management system 602A. Alternately, a usermay link a document to selected feature data. When the feature data isgenerated for display, the document also will be generated for display.

In another example, document data from a document is linked to featuredata. When the feature data is generated for display, the document data,not the document itself, is generated for display with the feature data.

The audience management system 704 manages contact data and otheraudience data 614A. The audience management system 704 receives andstores audience data 614A and retrieves audience data for display. Inone example, the audience data 614A is entered using the user interface716. In another example, the audience data 614A is generated for displayto the user interface 716.

In some instances, the audience management system 704 manages onlycontact data. The audience management system 704 enables a user to enternew audience data, edit existing audience data, or delete audience data.The audience management system 704 also enables a user to link audiencedata to other feature data.

The journal management system 706 manages journal data 628A. The journalmanagement system 706 enables a user to enter new journal data, editexisting journal data, delete journal data, or link journal data toother feature data. In one example, journal data is received from ortransmitted to the user interface 716. Journal data includes, forexample, journal entries identifying an audience member, including acontact, a selected aspect of the CAP, a location or other spatial data,a CAP asset, program data, feature data, or other data. The journal datamay include a user making an entry, an action taken, a user taking theaction, a date the action was taken, other transaction data, and/orother data. An action may include, for example, generating ortransmitting an audit package, performing a regulatory action under theCAP, identifying or complying with regulatory or CAP programspecifications, or another action relevant to the CAP.

The journal management system 706 also tracks communications with, andinformation related to, a contact or other audience member or a specificuser. In one embodiment, if a communication is sent to a contact, thejournal management system 706 automatically generates a journal entryidentifying the communication transmitted to the contact, the contact,the date and time the transmission was sent, and a comment or otherentry identifying the context of the communication. In anotherembodiment, if an action is taken related to a contact, the journalmanagement system 706 automatically generates a journal entryidentifying the action taken for the contact, the user taking theaction, and the time and date the action was taken.

In one embodiment, the journal management system 706 attaches one ormore journal entries to feature data, including spatial features. Forexample, the journal management system 706 may attach a journal entry toa contact point feature, a CAP asset, or a location identified by aspatial feature. Other examples exist.

The CAP asset management system 708 manages CAP asset data 618A. In theembodiment of FIG. 7, the CAP asset data 618A includes interest areadata and buffer area data. In one example, the CAP asset data includespipeline asset data, including pipeline data. CAP asset data may betransmitted to and received from the user interface 716.

The CAP asset management system 708 manages the retrieval and storage ofCAP asset data 618A. The CAP asset management system 708 identifiesspecific CAP assets for a specific CAP and records features andspecifications for the CAP asset.

The interest area management system 710 manages interest area data forthe CAP assets. The interest area management system 710 controlsretrieval and storage of the interest area data. The interest areamanagement system 710 identifies and records specifications and featuresfor the interest areas of CAP assets. In one example, the interest areadata identifies centerlines for one or more pipelines. Interest areadata may be received from and transmitted to the user interface 716.

The buffer management system 712 manages retrieval and storage of bufferarea data and other buffer data for the CAP. The buffer managementsystem 712 controls identification and recordation of buffer areafeatures and specifications. Buffer area data may be received from andtransmitted to the user interface 716.

The audit management system 714 manages audit information. The auditinformation may be included in the program data 620A. The auditmanagement system 714 controls retrieval and storage of audit data, suchas information included in an audit package, links between audit dataand contacts, links between audit data and other feature data, and otheraspects associated with audit data. Audit data may be received from ortransmitted to the user interface 716.

The user interface 716 generates data for display to a user, includingfeature data and image data. The image data may include a map image, anoverview map image, a map legend, a CAP asset, a buffer area, aninterest area, an audience point feature, and/or other spatial dataand/or feature data.

The user interface 716 also enables a user to enter data, includingfeature data and queries. A query is transmitted to the programmanagement system 602A to locate a selected type of audience member. Thequery may include, for example, a request to locate a contact byaddress, zip code, county, company, contact name, phone number, journalentry, or another query type.

One or more tools may be generated for display to the user. The user mayselect one or more of the tools to control the type of query that willbe made. In one embodiment, queries are preconfigured and published inthe form of a search tool and a filter tool. One or more SQL queries maybe tied to the search or filter tools in one or more formats. Forexample, if the user selects a first search and a first filter, an SQLquery may be made to a database to search for feature data and imagedata matching the query input by the user, the selected search toot, andthe selected filter tool. In other examples, only a search tool, only afilter tool, or multiple search and/or filter tools may be selected.

The user interface 716 also enables a user to select spatial layers andother layers for display. The other layers may include CAM data layersthat are generated for display, such as an audience layer that generatespoint features identifying the location and/or features of one or moreaudience members, an interest area layer identifying the location and/orfeatures of one or more interest areas, and a buffer area layeridentifying the location and/or features of one or more buffer areas.

The user interface 716 enables a user to link one or more sets offeature data to one or more spatial layers and/or other layers and/or toone or more other sets of CAM data, such as linking document data tofeature data. The user interface 716 also enables a user to configurethe spatial data system 104D, such as configure display aspects or dataprocessing aspects, and configure and control user access to the featuredata and image data.

In some embodiments, the program management system 602A controls accessto the user interface 716 or other components of the spatial managementsystem 104D through one or more security features. The security featuresmay include requiring a user to enter a valid user name and password andproviding access to selected tools, feature data, spatial data, and datalayers based on a user's security access level. The security accesslevel may be controlled, for example, using a user identification and/ora user password.

In one example, a user enters its user identification and password andis able to access a selected set of spatial data and CAM data for acompany. Another user enters its user identification and password and isable to access a different selected set of spatial data and CAM data forthe same company. Still another user enters its user identification andpassword and is able to access still another selected set of spatialdata and CAM data, but for a different company. In one embodiment, theprogram management system 602A is configured in a service bureau-typesystem, and all of the users are able to access their selected sets ofdata through the program management system 602A by using their useridentifications and passwords. In another embodiment, the programmanagement system 602A is configured in two internal systems, one foreach company. In this embodiment, the first and second users access theselected data from one internal system, and the third user accesses theselected data from a second internal system. In another embodiment, theprogram management system 602A is configured as a web hosting system oranother system.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exemplary embodiment of a user interface used toenter query criteria, select tools for queries, and generate spatialdata and CAM data for display. The user interface may be used toconfigure tools, define linked datasets, and perform other operations.

The user interface 802 has a browser frame 804. The browser frame 804 inthe example of FIG. 8 includes a map frame 806, a command bar 808, athumbnail overview map 810, a map legend 812, and a zoom scale 814. Inother examples, the browser frame 804 includes the map frame 806. Instill other examples, the browser frame 804 includes the map frame 806and a combination of one or more of the command bar 808, the thumbnailoverview map 810, the map legend 812, and the zoom scale 814.

The map frame 806 displays a map image. The map image may includespatial data and/or CAM data, such as feature data. One or more pointfeatures may be selected within the map frame 806 to cause generation ofadditional map displays or generation of other feature data. The mapframe 806 provides image display and navigation capabilities for a mapimage, such as pan and zoom, based on input commands from an inputdevice, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a touch pad, a pointer, or anotherdevice.

The command bar 808 includes function buttons that control the behaviorof the map image display generated to the map frame 806 and what othercomponents of the browser frame 804 are available. In one embodiment,the command bar 808 includes buttons for turning the map legend on andoff, turning the overview map on and off, turning the layer list on oroff, changing the unit of measurement for representing distance betweenmiles and kilometers, and measuring distance on the map image display byselecting a point on a map and moving to another point on the map sothat the distance measurement tool generates a straight line distancerepresentation. The command bar 808 in this embodiment also includes arefresh button, a center map button to center the map where selected, adrag pan button, a zoom in button, a zoom out button, a print button,and a lasso button.

The drag pan button enables a user to drag the map in the map frame in aselected direction, such as such as left, right, up, down, ordiagonally, to scroll the visible map in the map frame in the selecteddirection. In one example, a user may use a mouse or other input deviceto select the map, drag the map in a desired direction, and release themap upon reaching a desired location. The map then will regenerate withnew spatial data and CAM data for the selected geographic area. The dragpan button may be used with an input device, such as a mouse, a pointer,a touch pad, a keyboard, or another input device.

The lasso button enables a user to draw a circle, a square, or anothershape or designation around an area or to otherwise mark a location onthe map using a mouse, a touch pad, another pointer, or another inputdevice. In one embodiment, the lasso button enables a user to select anarea using a circle or square. The selected area may be used for anotheroperation or further action, such as a search, a zoom, identifyingfeature data within the selected lasso area for a query or report, oranother operation.

The thumbnail overview map 810 displays a smaller version of the mapimage display zoomed out so that the user can visually identify theapproximate location of the map image display relative to other spatialfeatures. In one example, the overview map 810 displays a map area of aselected county relative to several surrounding counties.

The map legend 812 identifies the spatial layers that currently arevisible on the map image display. The map legend 812 also may depictcolors, shading, symbols, or other feature designations for selectedlayers, features, or other data that is displayed.

The zoom scale 814 enables a user to zoom the map image display area inor out relative to the current map image display area. The currentrelative zoom level may be indicated by a color or shape, such as anarrow, a square, a dot, or a circle, on the zoom scale or in anothermanner. The user may select a location on the zoom scale 814 to zoom inor out.

The user interface 802 also includes a tools frame 816. In oneembodiment, the tools frame 816 includes a search tool 818 to enable aninput for a query for a search, a filter tool 820 to enable an input fora query for a filter, and a view tool 822 to view an item selected fromthe viewed tool.

One or more search tools and one or more filter tools may be used for asingle query. A search is a query that is executed each time a userselects a search tool and selects a “Search.” This results in theexecution of the search tool's query with the results being displayed asmap data, such as a map image, and as other feature data, such as intabular form. A filter tool 820 operates similar to a search tool 818when it is applied. However, unlike the search tool 818, a filter staysin force during the execution of other operations until it is removed.In one example, a search tool 818 and a filter tool 820 both locateaudience members of a specific type, such as public officials. In thisexample, when either the search tool 818 or the filter tool 820 is used,a map identifying a set of audience members that match the searchcriteria is generated for display in the map frame 806. Also, a list ofthe feature data associated with the located audience members isdisplayed. However, when the filter is enabled, the user can pan the mapor perform other search operations or other filter operations, and a mapimage and feature data corresponding to the filter limitation still isgenerated.

The tools frame 816 also may include a tools utility 824 and a layersutility 826 to enable toggling between selections of tools and layers.Layers may be selected for spatial data and CAM data.

The tools frame 816 also may include a documents utility 828 thatenables a user to display documents that are associated to feature dataor spatial data. In one example, when the documents utility 828 isselected, a screen is displayed that enables the user to select anaudience member and/or one or more CAM or spatial feature dataattributes or other audience feature data to which the document will beassociated, including other document data, map data, or other data, andto associate the document to the selected feature. Once associated, thedocument can be displayed with the feature data and displayed when thefeature data is selected, displayed when a link, icon, or otherselection is selected, or displayed in another fashion.

In one example, the user also may select whether a link, icon, or otherdisplay method will be used to display the document to the user. Inanother example, the user may associate the document directly to afeature or a feature attribute, such as a contact name displayed in atable, so that when the user selects that displayed feature or featureattribute, the document is displayed. In another example, linkeddocuments are indexed so that they may be searched using a search query.

In one embodiment, when the documents utility 828 is selected, adocument tree structure is displayed that enables a user to access andview CAP document data, including copies of documents. In one example,document identifiers, such as document names, are generated for display.A user may select the document identifier, and in response, the documentis generated for display. In one example, the documents utility 828enables a user to view program summary and audit documents.

The tools frame 816 also may include a bookmarks utility 830 thatenables a user to bookmark a favorite map location. In one example, whenthe bookmarks utility 830 is selected, a dialogue box is presented thatenables the user to enter a desired name for the location identified bya map image in the map frame 806 and to save the map image as a favoritefor future reference.

The tools frame 816 also may include an edit utility 832 that enables auser to edit audience data. In one example, when the edit utility 832 isselected, a screen is displayed that enables the user to edit contactinformation for the CAM system 102. In another example, when the editutility 832 is selected and the user enters address or other locationdata for a contact, the CAM system 102 geocodes the location data forthe audience member and associates the geocoded location data to a mapimage or other geographic data. The geocoded location data for a mapimage or other spatial data may be referred to herein as a pointfeature. In another example, when the edit utility 832 is selected, ascreen is displayed that enables the user to edit other audience data.

The tools frame 816 also may include a help utility 834 that presentsthe user with on-line help. In one example, when the help utility 834 isselected, a user is presented with a content help screen from which theuser can select help topics of choice.

An exit utility 836 enables the user to exit a particular screen or tab,such as a journal entry or contact screen. Alternately, the exit utility836 enables a user to exit the application.

A user account utility 838 enables the user to modify user contactinformation or to change user password information. When the useraccount utility 838 is selected, the user is prompted to modify or addentries to audience information, journal information, passwordinformation, or other user information. The user account utility 838 isoptional.

The tool input frame 840 enables a user to input query data. The querymay be performed on spatial data and/or CAM data. The spatial data maybe organized in a spatial layer and include, for example, an address, astreet, a county, a city, a state, or another spatial identification ordesignation. The data for the query may include, for example, a SICcode, an audience type, a FIPS code, a journal type entry, statisticalselection data, an audience member, a phone number, an address, acounty, a city, a state, a zip code, a cross street, or other dataapplicable to the application in which the tool input frame 840 islocated.

The user interface 802 also includes a feature display frame 842 inwhich the feature data is provided. Data may be displayed in the featuredisplay frame 842 as feature attribute data, such as tabularinformation, text data, document data, image data, or other data. Thefeature data generally is displayed in the feature display frame 842 inresponse to a query or a selection of spatial data or CAM data in themap frame 806.

The feature display frame 842 of FIG. 8 includes utilities for selectedfeatures 844, linked features 846, and linked documents 848. Theselected features utility 844 displays the attribute data of featuresthat match queries. The linked features utility 846 displays theattribute data for the linked features of linked datasets. The linkeddocuments utility 848 enables selection of documents that are linked toselected features, including word processing documents, spreadsheetdocuments, images, HTML documents, PDF documents, images, email,regulatory documents, and other documents. In one embodiment, the linkedfeatures utility 846 and the linked documents utility 848 are notpresent because all linked data, including linked features and linkeddocuments, is displayed in the selected features utility 844.

The feature display frame 842 also may include a journal managementutility 850 that enables a user to insert, edit, or otherwise managejournal data. In one example, when the journal management utility 850 isselected, a screen is displayed that enables the user to insert newjournal data for the CAM system 102. In another example, when thejournal management utility 850 is selected and the user enters anaddress or other location data for an audience member, a CAP asset, orother location of interest, the CAM system 102 geocodes the locationdata and associates the geocoded location data to a map image or otherspatial data. In another example, when the journal management utility850 is selected, a screen is displayed that enables the user to insertother journal data.

The feature display frame 842 also may include an audience managementutility 852 that enables a user to insert, edit, or otherwise manageaudience data. In one example, when the audience management utility 852is selected, a screen is displayed that enables the user to insert newaudience information for the CAM system 102. In another example, whenthe audience management utility 852 is selected and the user enters anaddress or other location data, the CAM system 102 geocodes the locationdata and associates the geocoded location data to a map image or otherspatial data. In another example, when the audience management utility852 is selected, a screen is displayed that enables the user to insertother audience data.

In one embodiment, feature data 854 along with a menu icon 856 isgenerated for display in the feature display frame 842. One or morefeatures, each with a menu icon 856, may be displayed to a user inresponse to a query or other operation. Each feature and menu icon 856returned from the query or other operation can have a context sensitivemenu associated with it. The context of the menu is based on theconfiguration of the tool or layer for which the operation is performed.The menu is context sensitive because the operations within the menuapply to the feature that is represented by the row of data.

In one embodiment, a features menu 858 in the feature display frame 842includes a center on option 860, a zoom to option 862, a link documentutility 864, a journal entry utility 866, and an audience utility 868.With the center on option 860, the user can center on an audience memberwithin the map. With the zoom to option 862, the user can zoom the mapinto a close area around an audience member's address or other data.With the link document utility 864, a user can link a document to anaudience member, a journal entry, or other data or otherwise managedocument data. With the journal entry utility 866, a user can add, edit,or otherwise manage a journal entry for an audience member or otherdata. With the audience utility 864, a user can edit, add, or otherwisemanage data for an audience member.

The CAM system 102 may be configured to limit access to any of thefeatures, utilities, tabs, buttons, and/or menus based upon securitysettings for a particular user. The security settings may be controlled,for example, by a user's identification and password. In one embodiment,if a user is not authorized to perform a certain operation, such as editaudience members, the menu option or utility for that operation is notdisplayed to the user.

In one embodiment, the user interface 802 enables a user togeographically manage audience members. In one example, the userinterface 802 includes a map or map data of a geographic area. The mapor map data may include, for example, data indicating a location of apipeline or other point of interest. In this example, a user enters acontact name and/or address or other location, and the spatialprocessing system 104 identifies a geocode for the location, such as byidentifying the latitude and longitude of the location. The spatialprocessing system 104 associates the geocoded location to a map. As aresult, the audience member is identified on the map of the geographicarea or is otherwise associated with the map data for that geographicarea. In this example, the audience data is displayed on a map of ageographic area within a buffer area of a pipeline and other audiencedata within the geographic area also is displayed. A centerline-typeinterest area, a buffer area, a point feature for the selected audiencemember, and point features for other audience members within thegeographic area are all displayed on the map.

The user may search information for the audience member and display thatinformation or other information for the audience member on the map. Theuser also may search the audience information in the database, such asrelated documents, spreadsheet information, or other information andidentify and display the resulting information.

The user interface 802 and the spatial processing system 104 also can beconfigured to identify and generate other geocodes based on a searchcriteria, such as a location identifier that designates a geographiclocation. Examples of other location identifiers are latitude andlongitude coordinates, north, south, east, west, up, down, left, right,vertical and horizontal coordinates, North American data (NAD) 27, NAD83, axial coordinates, other ordinate systems, positioning indicators,and mark identifiers.

In another example, the user enters data for a contact. This may be donewhen the contact is entered or when editing the contact data. Contactdata is data identifying different features or aspects of the contactand may be stored in a contact record. In this example, contact dataincludes a company name, a contact name, a contact type, such as anemergency official, a public official, police, a resident, an excavator,a business, an affected public, or other, an address, a city, a county,a phone number, a fax number, a region, a line identification (ID), oneor more SIC codes, and one or more journal entries.

In another embodiment, the user links documents interactively to or withaudience data. The audience data is in one or more audience records. Inone example, the spatial processing system 104 renders a map and theaudience data. The user sends a letter to the audience. The user linksthe letter to the audience record. When the audience record is displayedor otherwise retrieved, the linked document also is retrieved andidentified with a link, an icon, or another method. The user can selectthe link, icon, or other method to display the linked document. Inanother example, the user links other audience data to the audiencerecord. The link to the other audience data is displayed when theaudience record is displayed. In another example, the user links thedocument directly to feature data. When the feature data is displayed,the user selects the feature data, and the document is displayed.

In another embodiment, the system includes a journal utility. Thejournal utility is used to enter or edit a journal entry. In oneexample, a journal entry includes data from a journal log file. Inanother example, a journal entry identifies when a change is made to acontact or contact record and which user made the change and enables theuser to add a comment specifying why the change was made. A comment canbe any note, remark, or other statement the user enters. In anotherexample, the spatial processing system 104 automatically creates ajournal entry when an audience record is inserted, edited, or deleted.In this example, the journal entry contains a user identifier, theaction taken (i.e. insertion, edit, or deletion), the date the action istaken, and a user comment. In another example, a user selects a newjournal entry and adds comments for the new journal entry. In anotherexample, a user selects an existing journal entry and edits the existingjournal entry. In another example, a user deletes a journal entry.

In one embodiment, a user interface 802 enables users to insert newcontacts or other audience data. In one example, new contact data isentered, including an address or other location data. The spatialprocessing system 104 interactively and automatically geocodes theaddress or other location information for the new contact before savingthe data. In another example, the spatial processing system 104 savesthe geocode with the contact data in a contact record.

In another embodiment, the user interface 802 enables users to edit orotherwise modify the audience data. In one example, a table, a graphic,or another interface of audience data is displayed to the user. Thetable or graphic has an “edit” button or other selection. The userselects the edit button from the table or graphic. An audiencemaintenance screen then is displayed to the user and enables the user tomodify the audience data. In another example, after the user edits theaudience data for an audience record, and the audience record containsan address or other location data, the spatial processing system 104automatically re-geocodes the address or other location data beforesaving the audience record with the geocode.

FIGS. 9-36 illustrate exemplary embodiments of user screen views for auser interface in accordance with an embodiment of the presentinvention. The exemplary screen views depict a user interface for anapplication used with a CAM system. Other screens or user interfaces maybe used.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 9-36, the user screens include a browserframe in which a map frame is generated. The map frame optionally mayinclude a command bar, overview map, a map legend, and a zoom scale. Theuser screens also may include a tools frame that enables a user toselect one or more search tools, filter tools, and/or view tools. A toolinput frame also may be provided. In some examples of the user screens,the tool input frame or the map frame is collapsed.

The user screens also may include a feature display frame. The featuredisplay frame displays, and enables selection of, selected features,linked features, and linked documents. In some embodiments, the featuredisplay frame is collapsed. Other features are depicted by the examplesand the user interface screens in FIGS. 9-36.

FIG. 9 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the login screen. A userenters a user name and password to gain access to the CAP data.

FIG. 10 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a user screen generated fordisplay after a user logs into the login screen. In this embodiment, theCAP is a pipeline CAP, and the spatial processing system managespipeline related CAP data, including asset data, audience data, journaldata, and document data. In one embodiment, each user has access topipeline related data based on the user's security profile.

The user screen of FIG. 10 includes a map frame 1002, a tools frame1004, and a feature display frame 1006. The tool input frame 1008 iscollapsed in this view.

The tools frame 1004 includes a tools utility 1010, a layers utility1012, a documents utility 1014, and a bookmarks utility 1016. The toolsframe also includes an edit utility 1018, a help utility 1020, and anexit utility 1022.

The feature display frame 1006 displays feature data, includingattributes, from one or more layers. The feature data can be displayedin the form of text, images, graphics, documents, linked data, and/orother data.

The tools utility 1010 includes one or more search tools 1024 and one ormore filter tools 1026. Greater or fewer search tools 1024 may beincluded, and greater or fewer filter tools 1026 maybe included.

It will be appreciated that feature data is generated for display in themap frame 1002 and/or the feature display frame 1006. The feature datamatches one or more queries or is linked data from one or more queries.The feature data generated for display in the map frame 1002 includesgeospatial data and/or CAM data. The feature data generated for displayin the feature display frame generally includes CAM data or linked CAMdata, including document data. Although, geospatial data is generated tothe feature display frame 1006 in some instances.

FIG. 11 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a layers utility 1012. When auser selects the layers utility 1012, the available base layers andproject layers are generated for display. Base layers are geospatiallayers and/or CAM data layers associated with and selectable from allprojects, such as roads, highways, rivers, states, counties, cities, andplaces. Project layers are geospatial layers and CAM data layersassociated with and selectable from a selected project for a selectedCAP, such as pipeline centerline or other interest area, a project twomile buffer area, a project total buffer area, and a project audience.In one embodiment, each user has access to project layers based on theuser's security profile.

FIG. 12 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a user screen in which thetool input frame 1008 is not collapsed. In this embodiment, a locateaudience by county search tool is selected, a filter audience by SICcode filter is selected, and the associated entries for the tool inputframe 1008 are displayed. The user may enter search parameters of asearch criteria for an audience type, a county name, and/or a statename. The user selects the display color used to identify feature datathat matches the search criteria on a resulting map image. As usedherein, search criteria includes query criteria entered by a user in thesearch entry boxes, drop down boxes, or other entry for a search tooland/or filter tool. Once the user enters the search parameters, the usermay select the “search” button. The user may clear the search parametersby selecting the “clear” button.

The user screen of FIG. 12 also includes a command tool bar 1202. Thecommand tool bar 1202 includes a legend toggle 1204 that enables a userto turn a legend 1206 on or off. The map legend 1206 identifies the datalayers that currently are visible on the map image in the map frame1002. The map legend 1206 also designates unique color identifiers,shade identifiers, pattern identifiers, and/or symbols for selectedlayers or features in some embodiments.

An overview map button 1208 enables a user to turn the overview map 1210on or off. The overview map 1210 displays a smaller version of the mapimage from the map frame 1002. The overview map 1210 is zoomed out sothat the user can visually identify the approximate location of the mapimage displayed in the map frame 1002 relative to other spatialfeatures. The overview map 1210 also may be referred to as a thumbnailmap.

A display layer list button 1212 enables a user to turn the layer listin the layers utility 1012 on or off. The set map units button 1214enables a user to set the map units for the map displayed in the mapframe 1002 to feet, miles, or meters. The measured distance button 1216measures distances between two points on the map. The refresh map button1218 requests the current map to be redisplayed. The center map button1220 centers the map based on a point selected on the map.

A drag pan button 1222 enables a user to drag the map in the map frame1002 in a selected direction, such as left, right, up, down, ordiagonally, to scroll the visible map in the map frame in a desireddirection. In one example, a user may use a mouse, a touch pad, or otherpointer or input device to select the map, drag the map in a desireddirection, and release the map upon reaching a desired location. The mapthen will regenerate with new geospatial data and feature data for theselected geographic area.

A zoom in button 1224 enables a user to zoom in at a selected point onthe map for a selected zoom level and center the new map data at theselected point. A zoom out button 1226 enables a user to zoom out at aselected point on the map for a selected zoom level and center the newmap data at the selected point.

A zoom scale 1228 enables a user to zoom the map image display area inor out at various zoom levels relative to the current map image displayin the map frame 1002. The user can select a location on the zoom scale1228 to zoom in or out.

A lasso button 1230 enables a user to mark a location on the map using amouse, a touch pad, or other pointer or input device. In one embodiment,the lasso button 1230 enables a user to select an area using a circle orsquare. The selected area may be used for another operation, such as azoom, identifying feature data within the selected lasso area for aquery or report, or another operation.

A draw button 1232 performs an operation similar to the lasso. However,the draw button 1232 enables the user to draw an irregular shape areaupon which further action will be taken. A print button 1234 enables auser to print the map frame and/or the feature data.

In the embodiment of FIG. 12, feature data matching the query isdisplayed in the feature display frame 1006, such as in a tabular formor another form. Additionally, a menu icon 1236 is displayed for eachrow of feature data. In this embodiment, the row of data with “publicofficials/excavators” and “Gary Podesto” is an example of a feature, and“full name,” “company name,” and “address” are examples of attributes.If the user selects the menu icon 1236, a features menu (see FIG. 13) isdisplayed to the user. In the embodiment of FIG. 12, each feature isdisplayed in a separate row, and each feature has an associated menuicon.

In this embodiment, the feature display frame 1006 also includes anexport button 1238. When the export button 1238 is selected, the featuredata displayed in the feature display frame 1006 is generated to a filehaving a selected file type, such as a spreadsheet, a word processingfile, a PDF file, an image file, or another file type.

FIG. 13 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a features menu 1302generated for display when the user selects the menu icon 1236, such asby placing a mouse or other pointer over the menu icon and/or selectingthe entry. The features menu 1302 enables a user to perform selectedfunctions on the feature data.

In the embodiment of FIG. 13, the features menu 1302 includes a centeron option 1304, a zoom to option 1306, a link document utility 1308, anadd journal entry utility 1310, and an edit contact utility 1312. Withthe center on option 1304, the user can center on the contact within themap. With the zoom to option 1306, the user can zoom the map into aclose area around a contact's address or other feature data. With thelink document utility 1308, a user can link a document to a contact, ajournal entry, a CAP asset, or other feature data or otherwise managedocument data. With the add journal entry utility 1310, a user can add,edit, or otherwise manage a journal entry for a contact, a transaction,an asset, or other feature data. With the edit contact utility 1312, auser can edit, add, or otherwise manage audience data for a contact.

FIG. 14 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a user screen in which anaddress search tool is used. The address search enables a user to locateone or more desired audience records having a selected address. In theembodiment of FIG. 14, a user selects a search tool for an addresssearch in the tools frame 1004, enters the search criteria in the toolinput frame 1008, and selects the “search” button. After the userselects the search button, the spatial management system geocodes theaddress search criteria and locates the geocoded address.

If the address is located, the geospatial data and the feature datamatching the search criteria are generated for display as a map in themap frame 1002. This matching feature data includes data from thedisparate CAM datasets that were spatially linked to the spatial layers,and the geospatial data includes data within a selected range from theaddress entered as the search criteria.

In this example, the located address is highlighted and centered on themap. The geospatial data may be manipulated using the command toolbar1202 or the zoom scale 1228. If the geocoded address is not located, anerror message is displayed, and a new search criteria may be entered.

In the example of FIG. 14, the geospatial data on the map identifies,example, a geographic area, streets, a highway, and other geospatialdata. The CAM feature data on the map identifies a centerline 1402 for apipeline and a buffer area 1404 for the pipeline. The CAM feature dataon the map also identifies audience members relative to the centerline1402 and the buffer area 1404. The audience members include an affectedpublic-general business audience member 1406, an excavator audiencemember 1408, and an affected public-residential lot 1410. Other audiencemembers, including contacts, are identified in the map. The centerline1402, the buffer area 1404, and the audience members 1406-1410 each arecolor coded, gray shaded, and/or identified by symbols. The map legend1206 identifies the color, gray shade, and/or symbol corresponding tothe feature data on the map.

The map also identifies a second buffer area 1412. The centerline forthe second buffer area 1412 is not visible on the map in the map frame1002. However, the centerline for the second buffer area 1412, thecomplete width of the second buffer area, and audience members relativeto the second buffer area are identified in the thumbnail overview map1210.

The feature data 1414 matching the search criteria query also isgenerated for display in the feature display frame 1006. The featuredata 1414 is displayed in a selected features utility 1416. A menu icon1418 may be selected to generate a features menu (not shown) or otherdata.

FIG. 15 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating acounty by state name. The user selects the search tool to locate acounty by state name, and selects the state from the drop down box inthe tool input frame 1008. The display color used to identify thematching feature data on the map image may be selected in the tool inputframe 1008. If the matching feature data is located, a map image withthe spatial data and the feature data from the CAM datasets matching thesearch criteria is generated for display in the map frame 1002. Thematching feature data includes data from the disparate CAM datasets thatwere spatially linked to the spatial layers.

In this example, the state is the search criteria, and it is centeredand highlighted in the selected display color. The CAP assets in theselected search criteria are shown in the map image. In this example,multiple pipelines are shown as the CAP assets in the map image.

The feature data matching the selected search criteria are generated fordisplay in the feature display frame 1006. In this example, all of thecounties within the state of California are generated in a tabular formwith the corresponding feature data attributes. In this example, thecorresponding feature data attributes include a county name, a FIPScode, and population for each county. If the search is not successful,an error message is displayed, and a new search criteria may be entered.

FIG. 16 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating acounty by name. The user selects the search tool for the locate countiesby name and enters the county name in the tool input frame 1008. Thedisplay color used to identify matching feature data on the map imagealso may be selected in the tool input frame 1008.

The user selects the search button to initiate the search. If the searchis successful, a map image is generated for display with the countycentered and highlighted in the map frame 1002. If the search is notsuccessful, an error message is displayed, and a new search criteria maybe entered.

FIG. 17 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locatingcounties by a FIPS code. The user selects the search tool for locating acounty by FIPS code enters the five digit FIPS code in the tool inputframe 1008. The display color identifying matching feature data on themap image also may be selected in the tool input frame 1008. If the FMScode is located, a map image is generated for display with the matchingarea centered and highlighted. If the FIPS code is not located, an errormessage is displayed, and a new search criteria maybe entered. Thefeature data corresponding to the FIPS code is generated for display inthe feature display frame 1006.

FIG. 18 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating azip code area. The user selects the search tool for locating a zip codearea and enters a zip code in the tool input frame 1008. The displaycolor used to identify the matching feature data on the map image alsomay be selected in the tool input frame 1008. If the zip code islocated, the map image is generated for display with the zip code areacentered and highlighted. If the zip code is not located, an errormessage is displayed, and a new search criteria may be entered. Thefeature data corresponding to the zip code is generated for display inthe feature display frame 1006.

FIG. 19 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating acity or place. The user selects a search tool for locating a city orplace and enters a city or place name and/or a state name in the toolinput frame 1008. The display color identifying matching feature data onthe map image also may be selected in the tool input frame 1008. If thesearch is successful, a map image is generated with the city or placecentered and highlighted. If the city or place is not located, an errormessage is displayed, and a new search criteria may be entered.

In the example of FIG. 19, a pipeline centerline 1902 and its bufferarea 1904 are identified as feature data on the map image. Multipleaudience members also are identified on the map image as feature data,including public officials, emergency officials, and affectedpublic-general business. Each of the audience members are identified bya different color code and/or shape. In the example of FIG. 19, each ofthe different audience members are identified by a unique (different)color and symbol.

The feature data corresponding to the search criteria is generated fordisplay in the feature display frame 1006. In the example of FIG. 19,the search criteria was San Bruno, Calif., and the corresponding featuredata includes the state name and the 2001 population.

FIG. 20 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating anaudience by zip code. The user selects the search tool for locateaudience by zip code and enters an audience type and a zip code in thetool input frame 1008. The display color identifying matching featuredata on the map image also may be selected in the tool input frame 1008.If the search is successful, a map image is generated, and the audiencemembers matching the search criteria are highlighted on the map image.Other audience members not meeting the audience type search criteria butwithin a selected range of the zip code search criteria also areindicated on the map image. The map legend 1206 identifies the audiencemembers meeting such criteria with a unique symbol and color. The otheraudience members within the range of the search area also are identifiedon the map legend 1206 by a unique color and symbol. In the example ofFIG. 20, a pipeline centerline 1202 and a pipeline buffer area 1204 alsoare indicated on the map image.

The feature data matching the search criteria is generated for displayin the feature display frame 1006. In the example of FIG. 20, thefeature data includes audience records that meet the search criteria. Ifno records matching the search criteria are located, an error message isdisplayed, and a new search criteria may be entered in the tool inputframe 1008.

FIG. 21 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating anaudience by address. The user selects the search tool to locate anaudience by address, enters a street address, city, county, state,and/or zip code, and selects an audience type from the audience dropdown list. The display color identifying matching feature data on themap image also may be selected in the tool input frame 1008. The userthen selects the search button.

If the search is successful and feature data matching the searchcriteria is located, a map image is generated for display, and thefeature data matching the search criteria are highlighted and centered.In this example, audience records are the feature data. The audiencerecords that match the search criteria are designated by a unique symboland/or color on the map image and the map legend. The other audiencetypes and audience members each are designated by a different uniquecolor and symbol.

The audience records that match the search criteria also are generatedfor display in the feature display frame 1006. If a match is notidentified for the search criteria, an error message is displayed, and anew search criteria may be entered.

FIG. 22 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating anaudience by county. The user selects the search tool for locate audienceby county, enters a county name and state name, and selects an audiencetype from the drop down list. The display color identifying matchingfeature data on the map image also may be selected in the tool inputframe 1008.

If a match is found for the search criteria, a map image is generatedfor display with the audience records highlighted. The display color forthe resulting feature data is selected and identified in the tool inputframe 1008. The feature data matching the search criteria is generatedfor display in the feature display frame 1006. If no feature datamatching the search criteria is found, an error message is displayed,and a new search criteria may be entered.

FIG. 23 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating anaudience by company. The user selects a search tool for locating anaudience by company. The user enters a company name and, if desirable,address information. The user selects an audience type from the audiencedrop down list. The display color identifying matching feature data onthe map image also may be selected in the tool input frame 1008.

If feature data matching the search criteria is located, a map image isgenerated for display with the audience records highlighted based uponthe selected display color. In the embodiment of FIG. 23, the audiencemembers matching the search criteria are generated for display with aunique color and/or symbol. Additionally, a centerline 2302 and a bufferarea 2304 are generated for display in the embodiment of FIG. 23. Otheraudience members that exist in the geographic area generated for displayare indicated by other unique colors and/or symbols. As used herein, theterm unique means different from the display color and/or symbol forother feature data, such as the feature data matching the searchcriteria.

The feature data matching the search criteria also is generated fordisplay in the feature display frame 1006. This matching feature dataincludes data from the disparate CAM datasets that were spatially linkedto the spatial layers. If feature data matching the search criteria isnot located, an error message is generated, and a new search criteriamay be entered.

FIG. 24 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating anaudience by contact name. A user selects a search tool for locating anaudience by contact name, enters the contact name in the tool inputframe 1008, selects the audience type from the audience type drop downlist, and selects the search button. The display color identifyingmatching feature data on the map image also may be selected in the toolinput frame 1008.

If feature data matching the search criteria is located, the featuredata is generated to a map image with the matching audience recordshighlighted and centered based upon the selected display color. Theaudience members matching the search criteria are identified on the mapimage with the display color selected in the tool input frame 1008and/or a selected symbol. If feature data matching the search criteriais not located, an error message is generated, and a new search criteriamay be entered.

In the example of FIG. 24, multiple pipeline centerlines are depictedalong with their corresponding buffer areas. Multiple different types ofaudience members also are shown within the buffer areas. Additionalcontacts are shown in the example of FIG. 24 in areas outside of, but inrelation to, the buffer areas. These contacts also are identified by aselected color and/or symbol.

Feature data from the CAM datasets that match the search criteria aregenerated for display in the feature display frame 1006. If feature datamatching the search criteria is not identified, an error message isgenerated for display, and a new search criteria may be entered.

FIG. 25 depicts an exemplary embodiment of the search tool for locatingan audience by a phone number. The user selects the search tool forlocating an audience by a phone number, enters the phone number in thetool input frame 1008, selects the audience type from the audience dropdown list, and selects the search button. The display color identifyingmatching feature data on the map image also may be selected in the toolinput frame 1008.

If feature data matching the search criteria is located, a map image isgenerated with the audience records highlighted and centered based uponthe selected display color in the tool input frame 1008. The matchingfeature data audience records are generated for display with theselected color and/or a unique symbol. Other feature data audiencerecords are generated for display within a selected range of thegeographic area identified by the search criteria, and those audiencerecords are depicted using another color and/or symbol.

The feature data from the CAM datasets matching the search criteria isgenerated for display in the feature display frame 1006. If feature datamatching the search criteria is not located, an error message isgenerated for display, and a new search criteria may be entered.

FIG. 26 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a search tool for locating anaudience by a journal entry type. The user selects a search tool forlocating the audience by a journal entry type and enters a zip code orother address information. The user enters the journal entry type orselects the journal entry type from the entry type drop down list,selects the audience type from the audience type drop down list, andselects the search button. The display color identifying matchingfeature data on the map image also may be selected in the tool inputframe 1008. In other embodiments, the audience type selection isoptional. In still other embodiments, other or different search fieldsmay be used.

If feature data matching the search criteria is located, a map image isgenerated for display with the feature data audience records highlightedand centered based upon the selected display color in the tool inputframe 1008. The audience members within the search criteria are depictedon the map image by point features with a unique color and/or symbol.The point features generated for display for the audience members in theexample of FIG. 26 include contacts and other audience members. In thisexample, contacts include public officials, excavators, and emergencyofficials.

Feature data from the CAM datasets matching the search criteria also aregenerated for display in the feature display frame 1006. If feature datamatching the search criteria is not located, an error message isgenerated for display, and a new search criteria may be entered.

FIG. 27 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a filter tool for filteringan audience by SIC code. The user selects the filter tool for filteringan audience by SIC code. In this example, the user also selects thesearch tool for locating counties by name. The user enters the SIC code,including one or more characters and one or more wildcard characters,and selects the audience type from the audience type drop down list. Theuser also selects the display color that will be used to identifyfeature data matching the filter search criteria.

If feature data matching the search criteria is located, a map image isgenerated with the audience records highlighted based upon the selecteddisplay color in the tool input frame 1008. The audience membersmatching the search criteria are indicated with the selected displaycolor and a unique symbol. Other audience members, including othercontacts, are depicted within a range of the search criteria as pointfeatures with other colors and/or symbols.

Feature data from the CAM datasets matching the search criteria also isgenerated for display in the feature display frame 1006. If feature datamatching the search criteria is not identified, an error message isgenerated for display, and a new search criteria may be entered.

FIGS. 28 and 29 depict exemplary embodiments of linked featuresgenerated in the feature display frame 1006 in response to a search. Thefeature data 2802 corresponding to the search criteria is generated inthe feature display frame 1006 in the selected features utility 1418.Linked information is generated for display in a linked featurereference list 2804 in the feature display frame 1006. The user may usethe scroll bar to scroll down the linked feature reference list 2804, asdepicted in FIG. 28. In the example of FIG. 28, the user scrolled downthe linked feature reference list 2804 to review the journal entries2806 corresponding to the feature data 2802 matching the searchcriteria. Alternately, the user may expand the selected features utility1418 so that all feature data 2802, including linked features 2804, arefully displayed in the feature display frame 1006.

FIG. 30 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an audience managementutility for adding a contact. The audience management utility may begenerated, for example, by selecting the edit utility 3002. After theedit utility 3002 is selected, a new audience contact tab 3004 isgenerated. Upon selecting the new audience contact tab 3004, a contactmanagement utility 3006 is generated.

In the embodiment of FIG. 30, the user enters the location informationfor the contact, including the street address, the zip code, the city,and the state. The user then selects the locate address button 3008.When the locate address button 3008 is selected, the spatial processingsystem 104 attempts to geocode the location information. If the locationinformation is successfully geocoded, an overview map image 3010 isgenerated identifying the location of the contact as a point featurewithin the geographic area managed by the CAP. In one embodiment, otherfeature data, including interest area data and buffer area data, isgenerated in relation to the point feature for the location of thecontact.

The user enters additional contact information. In the embodiment ofFIG. 30, the user enters one or more of a company name, a full contactname, a county, an audience type, a phone number, a fax number, alocation code, a region, a line identification (ID), a two digit SICcode, a four digit SIC code, and/or a journal comment. The user selectsthe save button 3012 to save the audience data to the data managementsystem.

FIG. 31 depicts an exemplary embodiment of an audience managementutility generated to a user to edit contact data. The edit audiencemanagement utility may be generated by selecting the edit contactutility 1312 (see FIG. 13) from the features menu 1302 or, in someembodiments, by selecting the edit utility 3002.

In the example of FIG. 31, the user selected the menu icon 1236 foraudience feature data in the feature display frame 1006. The featuresmenu 1302 was generated, and the user selected the edit contact utility1312. In response, the contact information for that contact wasgenerated for display.

The user may change any information in the audience management utility,including the location information or other information, and/or add ajournal comment. If the location information is changed, the userselects the locate address button 3008, and the spatial managementsystem 104 geocodes the modified location information. The informationmay be saved upon selecting the save button 3012.

FIG. 32 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a journal entry utility. Thejournal entry utility may be generated by selecting the add journalentry utility 1310 from the features menu 1302 (see FIG. 13). In otherembodiments, an add journal entry utility may be selected from the editutility 3002. If the journal entry is generated by selecting the addjournal entry utility 1310, the journal entry automatically isassociated to the audience member from which the menu icon 1236 wasselected to generate the features menu 1302.

The user enters the journal entry type or selects the journal entry typefrom a journal entry type drop down list. The user also enters a journalentry. In some embodiments, when the save button is selected, the username, date, and time are automatically recorded with the journal entry.

FIG. 33 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a link document utility. Thelink document utility may be generated by selecting the link documentutility 1308 from the features menu 1302 (see FIG. 13).

The features menu 1302 was generated upon selection of a menu icon 1236for feature data generated to the feature display frame 1006. Therefore,in this embodiment, the documents and/or other files and/or data linkedusing the link document utility of FIG. 33 automatically are linked tothe selected feature from the feature display frame 1006.

The user selects one or more files that are to be linked to the selectedfeature data. The user may type a file path in the entry box or select apath using the browse button. After the user has selected all of thedocuments and other files that are to be linked to the selected featuredata, the user selects the upload/next button to link the documentsand/or files and/or data to the selected feature data.

FIG. 34 depicts an exemplary embodiment of documents generated in thefeature display frame 1006 when the documents utility 3402 is selected.The user may access current and historical documents for the CAP usingthe documents utility 3402.

When the documents utility 3402 is selected, a document menu 3406 isgenerated for display in the tool frame 1004 as a tree structure, a filestructure, or another structure for each CAP project or subproject. Whenthe user selects one of the document names displayed in the documentmenu 3406, the document is displayed in the feature display frame 1006.In the example of FIG. 34, the map frame 1002 is collapsed, and thefeature display frame 1006 is expanded.

FIG. 35 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a bookmark utility. Thebookmark utility 3502 enables a user to bookmark a map image location.The user selects the bookmark utility 3502 and selects the add bookmarkbutton 3504. An entry box is generated that enables a user to enter atitle for the bookmark. The user saves the title, and the map imagelocation is saved. The current bookmark names 3506 are displayed belowthe title current bookmarks 3508. In the example of FIG. 35, “test” is asaved bookmark that may be selected by the user.

FIG. 36 depicts an exemplary embodiment of a help menu generated fordisplay when the help utility is selected. The help menu may bedisplayed by topic, displayed for search entries, or in another manner.

FIGS. 37-69 depict examples in which a user interface is used performvarious transactions, including adding and maintaining contact data,adding or updating one or more journal entries, and linking one or moredocuments to contact data. Other examples exist, and other actions maybe performed.

FIGS. 37-43 depict an example in which the user interface is used to addcontact data or to maintain contact data. In this example, once aninitial or subsequent CAP communication has been completed, such as viamail, email, facsimile, phone calls, personal communication, orotherwise, a user may add and/or maintain information for one or morecontacts using the CAM system. In this example, a user may addinformation for a new contact, such as if a new firehouse was built at anew location, and interactively geocode the location of the new contactfor a map.

After the user logs in, the user selects the edit button and then thenew audience contact button, as depicted in FIG. 37. A new audiencecontact data screen is generated to the user. The user enters thelocation information for the new contact and selects the locate addressbutton as depicted in FIG. 38. Upon selection of the locate addressbutton, the CAM system interactively geocodes the location informationthe user enters. The CAM system generates an overview map with thelocation of the new contact, as depicted in FIG. 38. The user enters theadditional information for the new contact and selects the save button,as depicted in FIG. 39. The CAM system then saves the information forthe new contact, including the geocode, as depicted in FIG. 40.

The contact management tab is then removed from the display by the CAMsystem, and the selected features tab is depicted in the feature displayframe. The user may collapse the feature display frame, as depicted inFIG. 41. The user selects the refresh map button, and the new contactdata is displayed on the map, as depicted in FIG. 42.

The user locates the pointer on the map over the point feature for thenew contact and selects the point feature to verify the new contactdata. The CAM system generates the contact data for the point feature inthe feature display frame. The user expands the feature display frameand verifies the contact data for the newly added contact and thejournal entries for the contact, as depicted in FIG. 43. In thisexample, a journal entry was added for the newly added contact. For anexample of the steps for making a journal entry, see FIGS. 49-55.

FIGS. 44-48 depict an example in which a baseline CAP communication hasbeen completed, such as by mail, email, phone calls, personalcommunication, or otherwise, and a user desires to maintain contact datain the CAM system. The user locates the pointer over a selected menuicon in the feature display frame, and a features menu is generated fordisplay. The features menu includes a contact button that enables a userto edit and otherwise update information for a contact. When a userselects the contact button, a populated screen is generated for displayfor the selected contact. When the user has completed editing thecontact data, the user selects the save button to save the entry in theCAM system.

In the example of FIGS. 44-48, a user edits contact data after aninitial baseline communication has been completed, such as by changing apublic official's phone number. The user performs a search to locate theselected audience, as depicted in FIG. 44. The search results aregenerated for display in the feature display frame. The user expands thefeature display frame and scrolls through the contact data in thefeature display frame until the user locates the contact data that willbe changed, as depicted in FIG. 45. The user selects the menu icon atthe beginning of the contact data, also as depicted in FIG. 45. The userthen selects the “edit contact” button from the features menu.

A screen is generated for display with populated information, asdepicted in FIG. 46. The user edits the required information. Ifdesirable, the user enters a journal comment. For example, the user mayindicate that the phone number for the public official changed on aspecific date. When the user has completed editing the selected fieldsof the contact data, the user selects the save button, and the audiencerecord for the contact is updated, as depicted in FIG. 47. The user maythen select the selected features tab to verify the edited contact data.The contact data for the edited contact, as well as the contact datamatching the previous search criteria, are generated for display in theselected features tab, as depicted in FIG. 48.

FIGS. 49-55 depict an example in which a journal utility is used. Forexample, once a baseline CAP communication is completed, such as withmail, email, phone calls, personal communication, or otherwise, a usermay enter one or more journal entries for one or more contacts.

By using the journal entries, a user can track and document eachcommunication with a particular contact, such as each mailing, eachemail, each phone call, or other contact, or otherwise document eachcommunication or other transaction with a contact. The user also cantrack and document each mailing or other communication for a particularCAP asset, a particular buffer area, a particular interest area, oranother point of interest. The user can review the journal entries,along with the contact data, other CAM data, and linked documents, toeasily determine its compliance with federal, state, and localregulations and maintain a comprehensive audit of all transactions.

In the example of FIGS. 49-55, a user applies a journal entry to acontact after an initial baseline communication, such as when atelephone call is made to an emergency responder to discuss an upcomingtraining program. The user locates an audience by performing the desiredsearch. The results of the search are generated in the feature displayframe and the map frame, as depicted in FIG. 49. The user expands thefeature display frame and scrolls through the contacts in the featuredisplay frame until the selected contact is located, as depicted in FIG.50. The user selects a menu icon at the beginning of the desiredcontact, resulting in the display of the features menu, as depicted inFIG. 51. The user selects the journal entry button from the featuresmenu, and a journal entry screen is generated for display, as depictedin FIG. 52. The user enters the journal entry type, enters the journalentry, and selects the save button.

To confirm that the journal entry has been made or to review the contactdata or all journal comments for the particular contact, the user mayselect the selected features tab in the feature display frame, asdepicted in FIG. 53. The user selects the menu icon at the beginning ofthe contact that was just altered and selects the “zoom to” button. Theselected contact is generated for display in the map frame with thesurrounding geospatial data, as depicted in FIG. 54. The contact datafor the selected contact is displayed in the feature display frame.Additionally, the user may locate the pointer over the desired contactin the map frame and select the contact from the map display. Thecontact data corresponding to the selected contact is generated fordisplay in the feature display frame. The user may expand the featuredisplay frame and review the contact data and the journal entries logfor the selected contact, as depicted in FIG. 55. The journal entrieslog identifies the journal entries made for a selected contact, otheraudience member, CAP asset, transaction, or other CAM data.

FIGS. 56-66 depict an example in which documents are linked to existingcontact data. For example, if a user discusses an upcoming trainingprogram with an emergency responder in a telephone call, and the usermails a training pamphlet for the training program to the emergencyresponder, the user may link the training pamphlet to the contact datafor that contact.

The user locates an audience by performing the desired search, asdepicted in FIG. 56. A map corresponding to the geographic area within aselected range of the search is generated for display in the map frame,and the corresponding contact data is generated for display in thefeature display frame. The user expands the feature display frame andscrolls through the contacts in the feature display frame until theselected contact is located, as depicted in FIG. 57. The user selectsthe menu icon at the beginning of the desired contact. The features menuthen is generated for display, as depicted in FIG. 58.

The user selects the link document button, and a link document screen isgenerated for display, as depicted in FIG. 59. If the user knows thepath for the document, the user may enter the path. Otherwise, the usermay select the browse button and search for the document that is to belinked to the contact data. Once the file has been selected, the userenters a title for the document to be linked, as depicted in FIG. 60.After the user selects the next button, the CAM system links thedocument to the selected contact data and confirms that the document hassuccessfully been linked, as depicted in FIG. 61.

If the user would like to confirm that the document has been linked tothe contact data, the user may select the selected features tab of thefeature display frame, as depicted in FIG. 62. The user selects the menuicon at the beginning of the contact data that has been altered, and thefeatures menu is generated for display, as depicted in FIG. 63. The userselects the “zoom to” button. In response, a map is generated to the mapframe identifying the point feature for the contact and the surroundingarea within a selected range, as depicted in FIG. 64. Contact datamatching the point feature is generated for display in the featuredisplay frame. The user expands the feature display frame, as depictedin FIG. 65. The contact data, the journal entries associated with thecontact data, linked information, and linked documents all are depictedin the feature display frame. The user can select the document from thelinked documents list to generate the document for display, as depictedin FIG. 66.

FIGS. 67-69 depict an example of adding a journal comment to multiplecontacts simultaneously. For example, after a baseline communication ismade to a group of contacts, a supplemental communication may be made tothe same or a different group of contacts. In one example, a pipelinecompany is refurbishing a segment of a pipeline in a certain county andnotifies stakeholders for that county of the work about to be performed.The pipeline company transmits a supplemental communication to theaffected stakeholders and identifies the supplemental communication in ajournal entry for each of the stakeholders.

The user locates the desired audience by performing a desired query. Inthis example, a “bulk journal” button 6702 is presented to the user inthe feature display frame, as depicted in FIG. 67. The user confirms thecontacts to be selected for the bulk journal by selecting a checkbox atthe beginning of each row of contact data, as depicted in FIG. 68. Theuser enters the journal entry type and the journal entry and selects thesave button. The user also may link the document transmitted in thecommunication by selecting the link document button 6802. The userlocates the file for the document using the browser, as depicted in FIG.69. The user enters the document title and saves the file name anddocument title (as shown in FIGS. 60 and 61).

Those skilled in the art will appreciate that variations from thespecific embodiments disclosed above are contemplated by the invention.The invention should not be restricted to the above embodiments, butshould be measured by the following claims.

1. A system for managing community awareness management (CAM) datacomprising feature data for a community awareness program (CAP) andgeospatial data for an area for the CAP, the feature data comprisingaudience data and CAP asset data, the system operable with at least oneprocessor and further comprising a user interface configured to generatedisplay elements corresponding to at least one query of the geospatialdata and the feature data, the display elements comprising: a map imagecomprising: at least a portion of the area for the CAP; in the CAP areaportion, at least one CAP asset and at least one member of a groupconsisting of at least an interest area portion for the at least one CAPasset and at least a buffer area portion for the at least one CAP asset;and in the CAP area portion, at least one point feature indicating alocation of at least one audience member; and a feature display frameconfigured to display selected feature data corresponding to the atleast one query.
 2. The system of claim 1 wherein: the feature datacomprises audience data and pipeline data; the CAP asset comprises apipeline asset, the buffer area portion comprises a pipeline buffer areaportion, and the interest area portion comprises a pipeline interestarea portion; and the user interface further is configured to generatethe selected feature data comprising at least one second member of asecond group consisting of at least some pipeline data and at least someaudience data.
 3. The system of claim 1 wherein: the CAP asset comprisesat least one second member of a second group consisting of a utilityasset and a call center asset; the interest area portion comprises atleast one third member of a third group consisting of a utility interestarea portion and a call center interest area portion; the buffer areaportion comprises at least one fourth member of a fourth groupconsisting of a utility buffer area portion and a call center bufferarea portion; and the user interface further is configured to generatethe selected feature data comprising at least one fifth member of afifth group consisting of utility data and call center data.
 4. Thesystem of claim 1 wherein the map image comprises the at least thebuffer area portion, the user interface further is configured togenerate a plurality of point features within the CAP area portion, eachpoint feature indicating another location of at least one other audiencemember, and at least one of the plurality of point features is displayedwithin the buffer area portion.
 5. The system of claim 1 wherein theselected feature data comprises at least one second member of a secondgroup consisting of buffer area data for the at least one CAP asset,interest area data for the at least one CAP asset, audience data for theat least one audience member, location data for the at least one CAPasset, other location data for the at least one audience member, journaldata for the at least one CAP asset, other journal data for the at leastone audience member, document data for the at least one CAP asset, otherdocument data for the at least one audience member, audit data for theat least one CAP asset, and other audit data for the at least oneaudience member.
 6. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface isconfigured to generate a link document utility configured to enablelinking document data to at least one second member of a second groupconsisting of the at least one CAP asset and the at least one audiencemember.
 7. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interface isconfigured to enable entry of journal data for at least one secondmember of a second group consisting of the at least one CAP asset andthe at least one audience member.
 8. The system of claim 1 wherein theuser interface is configured to enable entry of other audience data forat least one second member of a second group consisting of the at leastone CAP asset, the at least one audience member, and at least one otheraudience member.
 9. The system of claim 1 wherein the user interfacefurther is configured to generate for display document data identifyingat least one document associated with at least one second member of asecond group consisting of the at least one audience member and the atleast one CAP asset.
 10. The system of claim 1 wherein the userinterface further is configured to generate for display at least onejournal entry for at least one second member of a second groupconsisting of the at least one CAP asset and the at least one audiencemember.
 11. The system of claim 1 wherein the map image comprises the atleast the interest area portion, the user interface further isconfigured to generate a plurality of point features within the CAP areaportion, each point feature indicating another location of at least oneother audience member, and at least one of the plurality of pointfeatures is displayed within the interest area portion.
 12. A system formanaging community awareness management (CAM) data comprising featuredata for a community awareness program (CAP) and geospatial data for anarea for the CAP, the feature data comprising audience data for aplurality of audience members and CAP asset data, the system operablewith at least one processor and comprising a user interface configuredto receive an input and to generate display elements corresponding to atleast one query of the geospatial data and the feature data based on theinput, the display elements comprising: a map image comprising: at leasta portion of the area for the CAP; in the CAP area portion, at least oneCAP asset portion and at least one other area portion selected from agroup consisting of at least an interest area portion for the at leastone CAP asset and at least a buffer area portion for the at least oneCAP asset; and a plurality of point features in the CAP area portion anddisplayed relative to the other area portion with at least one pointfeature within the other area portion, the plurality of point featuresindicating locations of at least some of the plurality of audiencemembers; and a feature display frame configured to display selectedfeature data corresponding to the at least one query, the selectedfeature data comprising at least one member of another group consistingof selected audience data and selected CAP asset data.
 13. The system ofclaim 12 wherein the user interface is configured to enable entry ofsome audience data for at least one second member of a second groupconsisting of the at least one CAP asset, at least one of the pluralityof audience members, and at least one new audience member.
 14. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the user interface is configured to enableediting some audience data for at least one second member of a secondgroup consisting of the at least one CAP asset, the at least one of theplurality of audience members, and the at least one new audience member.15. The system of claim 12 wherein the user interface is configured toenable entry of journal data for at least one second member of a secondgroup consisting of the at least one CAP asset and at least one of theaudience members.
 16. The system of claim 12 wherein the feature datafurther comprises journal data, the selected feature data comprisesselected journal data for at least one journal entry, and the userinterface further is configured to generate the selected journal datafor the at least one journal entry in the feature display frame.
 17. Thesystem of claim 12 wherein the input comprises at least one secondmember of a second group consisting of an address, a street, anintersection, a county, a zip code, a city, a state, a region, alocation code, a SIC code, and a FIPS code.
 18. The system of claim 12wherein the input comprises at least one second member of a second groupconsisting of an audience type, a journal entry type, a company name, aphone number, and a contact name.
 19. The system of claim 12 wherein theuser interface further is configured to generate another map image withanother portion of the area for the CAP and to accept a selection of theother map image as the input.